Flavour It's Yours Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Flavour It's Yours Synopsis
After meeting a young girl with no sense of taste, a highly trained and highly regarded taste genius, Lu WeiXun, unexpectedly suffered a major setback in his life – he lost his sense of taste.
HeBuzui did everything she could to help Lu Weixun out of her predicament. At the same time, Lu Weixun devised a whole set of methods to help He Buzui restore her sense of taste.
He Buzui overcame all difficulties, accepted the devil’s training, deeply felt the hard work and efforts behind the industry elite, and experienced all kinds of wonderful flavors in the world.
Lu Weixun and He Buzui have very different personalities, but in the process of getting along, the cool and lonely Lu Weixun was infected by the resilient and optimistic He Buzui.
He Buzui grew up to be a highly qualified industry insider, and in the mutual help and cooperation with Lu Weixun, they were touched by each other’s sincerity, establishing a deep emotion and meeting their own love.
Flavour It's Yours Recap
Episode 1 Recap
The World Wine & Spirit Association, or WSA, holds the authority to classify and price wines. Lu Weixun, renowned for his accurate classifications and strict pricing, is the youngest member in WSA history, earning him recognition as a leading professional sommelier in China. Despite his esteemed position, Lu Weixun is known for his perfectionism, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, mysophobia, and overall unreasonable demeanor.
At a wine tasting event, he boldly declared a particular wine simple, stating its wholesale price should be under 100 Yuan and its retail price no more than 200 Yuan. When the wine's owner complained that this assessment would ruin his brand, Lu Weixun sternly countered that a lack of clear brand positioning was the real act of self-destruction. Concurrently, He Buzui, sporting short hair, demonstrated her prowess at a bar, living up to her reputation as "the never-get-drunk."
She effortlessly defeated three burly men in a drinking contest and left with her winnings. Not long after, two men intercepted her, but Brother De soon arrived, demanding his money. He Buzui complied, opening her backpack, from which Brother De impatiently snatched a small sum, complaining about the meager amount. He then threatened that if she didn't clear her debt by the tenth of the next month, her and her father's peaceful life would be over.
He Buzui assured him she would find a way to pay, subtly mentioning her elderly father's fragile health. After Brother De departed, she revealed money she had cleverly hidden in her pocket, acknowledging her quick thinking had saved her from a difficult month. Back home, despite eating spicy strips and drinking lemon juice, she still couldn't taste anything.
As she helped her father with his accounts, she looked at a photo of herself with her senior (schoolmate), wondering about his whereabouts. The following day, at another bar, a man in glasses challenged He Buzui, acknowledging her as the one who defeated the "Black Whirlwind brothers." He laid out the rules: finish all the strong liquor on the table within one minute to win the money, or lose and quit drinking gambling forever.
He Buzui, confident she felt a "different" and "déjà vu" sensation from the previous night's alcohol, accepted and won again. As she rushed to her next appointment, a charm from her backpack caught on Lu Weixun's car mirror, snapping its chain and pulling away a cherished small bottle. She desperately chased his car, even throwing her phone at the mirror, which caused him to stop. Lu Weixun exited his vehicle, inspecting the shattered mirror and retrieving the hanging item.
As He Buzui approached, he instinctively covered his nose, demanding a meter of distance due to her strong "alcohol smell." She closed the gap, playfully asking if he feared she'd "eat him," and demanded her item back. Lu Weixun held the bottle high, out of her reach. When she asked his intention, he pointed to the broken mirror. She explained her action was a "no other choice" reaction to the emergency.
He demanded her ID and phone number, stating he was in a hurry and would contact her later to discuss compensation. She insisted on getting her bottle back first, but Lu Weixun firmly repeated, "Your ID card!" He Buzui agreed, then suddenly stomped on his foot. As he bent over in pain, she snatched her bottle back. Joyfully waving the bottle, she retreated. Suddenly, a car sped towards them. Lu Weixun shouted "Careful!"
and lunged, grabbing her shoulder and pulling her towards him. As they lost their balance and fell backward, He Buzui's lips accidentally met his. After the unexpected contact, Lu Weixun immediately scrambled to his feet, disgustedly wiping his lips and rinsing his mouth with water from his car. He Buzui, confused, snatched the water bottle, took a swig, and then spat it out, accidentally splashing him. Lu Weixun called her "unreasonable."
He Buzui, however, decided not to argue, stating that "since he saved her life," she wouldn't "bug him anymore." She quickly bid him farewell, mentioning her next drinking appointment. Lu Weixun retorted, "No longer see!" to which she agreed, "Right, no longer see!" She then left some money on his car for repairs and rushed off.
Meanwhile, Lu Weixun arrived at an event where his excited fans hailed him as a "professional sommelier" with "absolute talent" and a "sense of taste beyond imagination." Many supported his goal of proving himself to his unsupportive father, having left home at 20 to build his own career.
Magician Alexander introduced a challenge: Lu Weixun had 60 seconds to identify three specific wines from descriptions, with the magician's assistant, Marilyn, locked in a water tank, to be released only if Lu Weixun succeeded. As Lu Weixun attempted to smell and taste the wines, he was shocked to find he could no longer detect any scent or flavor. The crowd grew curious as Marilyn struggled in the tank, and Alexander prepared to smash it if necessary.
Despite his inability to taste, Lu Weixun closed his eyes and, relying on his extensive knowledge of wine characteristics and historical weather conditions like Burgundy's ideal 2009 vintage versus its challenging 2010 year, made his judgment in the final seconds. He correctly identified the wines, allowing Marilyn to escape, but Lu Weixun remained deeply troubled.
Disturbed by his loss of taste, Lu Weixun returned home and desperately tried several bottles of red wine, confirming his worst fears—he could no longer discern any flavor. In a fit of frustration, he swept the wine bottles off his table. Meanwhile, at a night market, He Buzui was eating voraciously with a friend who chided her for feasting despite having just lost three drinking challenges.
He Buzui frantically ate, explaining she had to "eat as much as possible" today, fearing her sense of taste might vanish again tomorrow. Her friend was astonished when He Buzui exclaimed she could taste the food, specifically a "delicious" boiled pork entrails with cake bits, confirming her sense of taste had returned. The next day, Lu Weixun sought medical help for his sudden loss of taste, but the doctor found nothing physically wrong, suggesting he consult a psychiatrist.
At the same hospital, He Buzui was excitedly telling another doctor that her taste had unexpectedly returned after years of absence. Overhearing this, Lu Weixun, desperate, rushed in and pulled her out of the room. Outside, by his imported British car, he offered her a bitter gourd soda, demanding she describe its flavor. When she hesitated, he revealed his car's damage assessment was "over 40,000 Yuan," implying the soda was for compensation.
She hesitated before drinking it, confirming if a "sip was 40,000 Yuan." He Buzui then precisely described the taste as "bitter with a sweet aftertaste," even quantifying it as "7% bitter and 2% sweet," though she claimed the numbers "just came out of her mouth." Lu Weixun stared at her, astonished. He then seized her, excitedly demanding she "give his thing back."
Misunderstanding, He Buzui assumed he was lamenting their accidental first kiss, telling him not to be "too sad" as she had lost her first kiss too. Lu Weixun, realizing her misunderstanding, clarified that she "took his stuff" and "must give it back." Then, pulling her close, he embraced and kissed her deeply.
Episode 2 Recap
One day before, He Buzui joyfully informed her father that her sense of taste had miraculously returned, a recovery her father had spent all his money trying to achieve. She attributed it to her good deeds and an opportune moment. Later that day, Lu Weixun confronted He Buzui, asserting she had taken something of his and demanding its return. He then forcibly kissed her. He Buzui reacted with disgust, calling him a "dog" and stating she needed a rabies vaccine.
Lu Weixun, scoffing at her self-importance, claimed he had no interest in her "fierce, ugly, and unsexy" appearance. He then took a drink from a water bottle, confirming his sense of taste had indeed returned. He Buzui mocked his belief that a kiss could exchange taste, but Lu Weixun warned her not to get addicted to his kisses. Enraged, He Buzui slapped him twice, declaring them "even."
He Buzui later confided in her friend Hao Yong at a snack shop, lamenting that Lu Weixun had "stolen" her taste. As she recounted the incident, Hao Yong commented that her reaction made it sound like Lu Weixun had forcibly kissed her, to which He Buzui nodded in confirmation. Outraged, Hao Yong called Lu Weixun a "bastard" and criticized his "tasteless" act, vowing to confront him.
He Buzui, however, refocusing him on the main issue: her lost taste due to the forced kiss. She then picked up a skewer, and to her surprise, her sense of taste had suddenly returned. At the same exact moment, Lu Weixun realized he had lost his taste again, leaving him frustrated. Mi Ya, an editor from a magazine, called him to urge him to submit an article.
Lu Weixun apologized, saying he would need two more days, indicating this was unusual for his work habits. Later, Lu Weixun went to the police station to report a theft. When asked what he had lost, he initially said "taste" but quickly corrected himself to "wallet" after seeing the police officer's bewildered expression. He stated that it was stolen, not robbed, in the Dagang Hospital parking lot around noon.
He claimed to remember the thief's appearance and asked to review surveillance footage to identify her. After checking the video, the police officer informed him that the girl hadn't stolen his wallet. Despite the officer's warning about the serious consequences of filing a false report, Lu Weixun adamantly insisted that she had indeed stolen his wallet. The police located He Buzui and brought her to the station, informing her that someone had accused her of theft.
Upon seeing Lu Weixun, He Buzui immediately asked what "new trick" he was up to. When asked by the police if she had stolen anything from him, He Buzui vehemently denied it, asserting that no matter how bad off she was, she would never resort to such an act. Suddenly, she seemed to realize Lu Weixun might be referring to her sense of taste.
Lu Weixun confirmed her realization, but He Buzui retorted that it wasn't theft; her taste had "returned on its own," challenging him to prove it was even his to begin with. Their confusing exchange left the police officers baffled. He Buzui attempted to explain that his sense of taste was with her, but Lu Weixun quickly interrupted, embracing her and declaring that his "heart" was with her instead.
The officers, mistaking them for a quarreling couple, gave them two options: a three-day detention or filling out a form and leaving immediately. He Buzui swiftly chose to fill out the form. Outside the police station, He Buzui challenged Lu Weixun to prove that her ability to taste was due to an exchange with him, rather than some other reason.
Lu Weixun listed foods like cheese hotpot, fried chicken, roasted chicken wings, spicy sticks, potato chips, and instant noodles, asserting she must have eaten them because he, on principle, never consumed such "junk food" with preservatives and coloring. He Buzui admitted to eating them but argued it was her mouth and none of his business. Lu Weixun then stated, "Because you are in my mind already."
He immediately seemed to regret the ambiguous nature of his words, his expression becoming a little unnatural. He Buzui, amused, jokingly asked if he was confessing his feelings, adding that she already had someone she liked. Lu Weixun clarified that he had no romantic interest in her; he only cared about his sense of taste. He then explained that their senses of taste had exchanged due to some unknown trigger.
Based on their current understanding, a brief touch of their lips could temporarily transfer the taste. However, they didn't yet know how to restore it permanently. Therefore, he proposed to hire her to temporarily "keep" his taste for him, and transfer it back when he needed it. He Buzui angrily called him "crazy" and turned to leave.
Lu Weixun then asked her how much money it would take to buy her "orbital period," using a surprisingly professional term for her time and cooperation. He Buzui, amused by his vocabulary, indicated a figure with her fingers. Lu Weixun readily agreed, promising to draft a contract that very night for signing the next morning. He Buzui accepted, playfully saying whoever didn't sign was a "coward," and then ran off.
The following morning, Lu Weixun arrived at He Buzui's home with the contract. He Buzui, surprised, asked how he knew where she lived. Lu Weixun calmly explained that she had written down all her details at the police station the previous night, and he possessed a photographic memory. He handed her the contract, urging her to read it quickly.
He Buzui scanned the document and noticed a clause stating that "Party A" (Lu Weixun) could implement a 24-hour work system when necessary, requiring "Party B" (He Buzui) to be on call day and night. She calculated that the proposed contract would essentially enslave her for 333 months, or twenty-eight years, and questioned why it would extend for such a long period.
Lu Weixun explained that in 28 years, he would be 53, a point where human bodily functions, including taste, rapidly decline. If their tastes couldn't be permanently exchanged before then, a "flat" or ordinary sense of taste would be useless to him, as his career depended on a highly refined palate. He wanted to ensure his life and career remained unaffected, even in the worst-case scenario. He Buzui despaired that her own life would become a mess.
Lu Weixun countered that he was taking a greater risk by hiring her for 28 years. He then reassured her that the contract could be terminated at any time if they found a way to permanently restore their tastes, allowing her to receive the money sooner. He handed her a pen, encouraging her to sign.
He Buzui internally deliberated, acknowledging that the money would perfectly cover her monthly loan payments, and a kiss, at worst, would be "just like a dog bite." Suddenly, Brother De and his men stormed into the house. Spotting the contract, Brother De confronted He Buzui, stating that since she had signed such a large contract, it was time to repay her debts to him and his "brothers."
When He Buzui remained silent, he began smashing objects in her courtyard with a stick. Lu Weixun intervened, demanding they stop and asking how much He Buzui owed. Brother De stated it was a considerable amount, including principal and interest. Lu Weixun then offered to pay the debt on her behalf. After the debt issue was resolved, Lu Weixun drove He Buzui to Muunas Winery.
Lu Weixun introduced He Buzui as his assistant to Mr. Ma, the manager, who then led them to the wine cellar. Mr. Ma mentioned he had prepared samples from barrel number 92 for Lu Weixun to taste. Once Mr. Ma left, Lu Weixun instructed He Buzui to come closer for a taste exchange. He Buzui reluctantly approached but then abruptly turned away, declaring she had changed her mind and wished to break the contract.
Lu Weixun calmly reminded her of the contract's "important notes" clause, which stipulated that the penalty for breach of contract would be doubled. Before she could react further, Lu Weixun unexpectedly kissed her lips. He Buzui immediately pushed him away and slapped him across the face, then sneezed. Ignoring his stinging cheek, Lu Weixun picked up a glass of red wine and began to taste it meticulously.
He described the aromas of blackberry and raspberry, fresh grassy notes, followed by the bitter hints of chocolate and coffee. As he continued to taste one glass after another, his expression grew increasingly troubled, and he muttered to himself, "Ruined! All ruined!" Outside the cellar, Mr. Ma asked Lu Weixun for his assessment of the wine. Lu Weixun declared that all the wine from barrel number 92 had to be emptied.
He Buzui was shocked at the thought of dumping such a large quantity of wine. Lu Weixun explained that if wine turned "bad," referring to the presence of Brettanomyces yeast, it was no longer truly wine. He emphasized that destroying inferior products was a sign of respect for quality products.
Observing Lu Weixun's seriousness and dedication to his work, He Buzui found her opinion of him improving, realizing that even the usually domineering Lu Weixun wasn't so annoying when focused on his craft. This moment brought back a faint memory from Lu Weixun's childhood: his mother, on her deathbed, encouraged him to pursue his passion and reminded him of his talent, leaving him with the legacy of their family's "magic water."
Episode 3 Recap
Lu Weixun called Mi Ya, an editor at Dr'Wine magazine, to inform her that the wine at Muunas Winery was spoiled. He had already spoken with the winery owner, and the entire batch would be destroyed, ensuring it would not enter the market. Mi Ya expressed her admiration for his decision but pointed out the awkwardness of promoting a wine that would never be available to the public.
Lu Weixun firmly stated that the embarrassment originated with Muunas Winery, not him, and that he had simply tasted the winery's new wine according to their initial topic, thus, his article could only be written truthfully before abruptly hanging up. The next day, the Chief Editor asked Mi Ya if Lu Weixun had submitted his article. Mi Ya confirmed he had but explained she was still editing it.
The Chief Editor, frustrated, declared the article unusable as it was a review of wine that would never be sold, deeming it meaningless. He threatened Mi Ya's position as the special column editor if she couldn't handle Lu Weixun. Mi Ya proposed a solution: publish Lu Weixun's article unchanged, but add a third-party review to transform it into an interview with him.
She highlighted that shocking news of a winery owner abandoning significant economic interest and incurring huge losses to destroy wine would astound the industry, creating positive publicity for Lu Weixun. She also reminded the Chief Editor that since Lu Weixun wrote exclusively for Dr'Wine, promoting him would also benefit their magazine, instantly changing the Chief Editor's mood. Meanwhile, He Buzui was chatting with her father in the yard when Lu Weixun called, saying he would arrive shortly.
Upon meeting, Lu Weixun immediately delved into the patterns of their temporary taste exchanges. He noted that the first exchange, at the hospital entrance, occurred around 12 p. m. , with his taste disappearing about an hour later. The second time, at Muunas Winery, happened around 5:17 p. m. , after he tasted barrel number 92 and drank bitter gourd soda; his taste disappeared around 6:07 p. m. , after the exchange had lasted about 50 minutes, roughly an hour.
He Buzui, in turn, confessed she had been wondering about his wealth, asking if being a wine critic was so lucrative and whether his urgency to regain his taste was purely for financial gain, questioning the true worth of his taste. Lu Weixun disdainfully dismissed her as "vulgar and common." He concluded that lip contact was only part of the exchange, and they needed to discover the remaining factors by replaying the details of their first encounter.
He explained that time, location, people, and events all could be contributing factors, and controlling variables would minimize errors. They drove to the exact spot where He Buzui had smashed his car's side-view mirror with her phone. He Buzui recounted her attempt to retrieve her plum bottle, his refusal, her stomping on his foot, the arrival of a car, his act of saving her, and then the taste exchange.
As Lu Weixun tried to recreate the moment by kissing her while standing, He Buzui pushed him away, correcting him that he was lying on the ground at the time. Lu Weixun promptly sat on the ground and motioned for her to come closer. He Buzui approached but hesitated, citing the dirty ground. Just as she moved to stand up, Lu Weixun pulled her down, asserted "I'm the boss," and kissed her.
Moments later, He Buzui broke free and stood up. Lu Weixun confirmed his taste had returned. However, He Buzui declared she couldn't continue the "job" without a raise. She noted the decreasing duration of their taste exchanges: 60 minutes for the first, 50 for the second, and only 40 minutes for this latest one.
Lu Weixun deduced that each kiss reduced the taste exchange duration by 10 minutes, leaving them only three more chances to find a complete method before his taste returned permanently. He Buzui's face showed clear reluctance at the prospect of three more kisses. Later, He Buzui, with her regained taste, participated in the "Gourmet is Yummy" show.
During the program, she received a call from Lu Weixun, who, hearing the noise, asked where she was and told her to return for work. He Buzui stammered, saying she was out and had other commitments, asking if they could meet later. Lu Weixun agreed to meet at Mbook Café at 10 p. m. Lu Weixun also received a boring invitation from Mu Chunfeng for a wine tasting. He Buzui lost the final round of "Gourmet is Yummy."
Afterward, she went to eat street food with Hao Yong, seemingly forgetting her appointment with Lu Weixun. Mi Ya arrived, and without an available table, shared theirs, quickly bonding with He Buzui and Hao Yong. He Buzui and Mi Ya both sighed, and when asked why, He Buzui explained her frustration with a newfound superpower she didn't know how to use, feeling like she missed out on "100 million."
Mi Ya sighed because her partner was "arrogant, aggressive, perfectionist, and hard to please." He Buzui deeply empathized, describing her boss in similar terms, feeling he thought of himself as the "center of the universe" with everyone revolving around him. They clinked glasses, finding common ground in their shared misery. Lu Weixun waited at the Mbook Café but, finding He Buzui a no-show, left at 10 p. m. He Buzui, checking her phone, realized it was 10:10 p. m.
and rushed to the Mbook Café. A server informed her that Mr. Lu had left at 10 p. m. Returning home, He Buzui worried about how to appease her "boss" who was surely angry. She texted Lu Weixun an apology, then called him. Lu Weixun stated apologies were useless as the result could not be changed. He Buzui argued he should have at least informed her and called him an arrogant and annoying boss.
Lu Weixun retorted he didn't need her liking and that their relationship was strictly professional. He Buzui asked what they should do next. Lu Weixun, as a sommelier with "contract spirit," needed to add supplementary terms. When He Buzui asked if she could disagree, Lu Weixun replied she could choose not to accept, but then he wouldn't pay her. He Buzui challenged him not to always threaten her with money, questioning if he truly believed money was that effective.
Lu Weixun returned the question to her. After a pause, He Buzui conceded that sometimes money was indeed useful but insisted she should at least know the terms. Lu Weixun simply said, "Tomorrow," and hung up. The next morning, He Buzui woke up to find Lu Weixun in her living room, chatting with her father, while her "Gourmet is Yummy" performance played on TV, leaving Lu Weixun with a displeased expression. She took him to the yard to talk.
Lu Weixun confronted her about using his sense of taste to earn extra money, implying her dissatisfaction with his salary and work. He suggested Brother De could "talk to her." He Buzui immediately softened, explaining she only wanted to repay her debts quickly, adding that not everyone was as lucky as him to have a happy family and no life pressure. Lu Weixun chuckled, saying meeting her was his "real bad luck" or "Waterloo."
Citing her "malicious absenteeism" the previous day, he presented two supplementary agreements: First, he clarified the "ownership" of his sense of taste, including its attribution and final interpretation, stating she was merely exercising the power on his behalf. From now on, she would need his permission every time she used his taste, asking him before eating or drinking anything. He defined this as her duty as a beneficiary to him, the victim.
Second, having heard she was once a bodyguard, he added a "security agreement." Her role was to protect his sense of taste. Her working hours would be extended to run from 10 a. m. to 4 a. m. the next day. She would have to be wherever he was, and her monthly salary would increase to 10,000 Yuan, with no additional compensation for overtime.
He Buzui protested, calculating it as a 16-hour workday and stating she was being treated like a "beast of burden." Lu Weixun affirmed this, adding that even beasts were not as obedient. He Buzui asked where she would rest when he slept, and Lu Weixun replied he had plenty of rooms for her at his home.
He Buzui suggested working from home, but Lu Weixun dismissed the idea, stating she had lost that chance due to her actions yesterday, and he no longer trusted her. He framed it as a win-win solution: he purchased more of her time, and she earned more money to clear her debts. Furthermore, to avoid disturbing his regular life, she could only bring a 24-inch suitcase. Following this, He Buzui arrived at Lu Weixun's house with her suitcase.
Lu Weixun led her to her new room, emphasizing rules: no noise, eating only in the dining area, daily orchid watering without over-saturating the roots, and most importantly, obeying his orders. He Buzui lay on the bed, a worried expression on her face, unsure of what awaited her.
Episode 4 Recap
In a bar, He Buzui was delighted when she received a message that simply stated "I'm back." She immediately recognized it was from her senior, Yi Beidao. The message brought back a vivid memory from high school when a male classmate was bullying her. It was Yi Beidao, tall and handsome, who stepped in to save her, a moment that had deeply impressed her.
Overwhelmed with sweet emotions, she quickly replied to Yi Beidao, asking when he returned and where he was now. After sending the message, He Buzui remained excited and wide awake. The next morning, Lu Weixun woke up and descended to the living room, startled by the chaotic scene before him. He carefully picked up a small goldfish from the floor and returned it to its aquarium. After tidying up, he pushed open He Buzui's bedroom door and stormed in.
He Buzui, groggy from sleep, sat up and told him she would go back to sleep if he had nothing important to say, as she had been sleepless and was utterly exhausted. She then lay down and pulled the covers over herself again. Lu Weixun sternly told her to get up and explain the mess downstairs. He Buzui, still half-asleep, asked what he meant, mentioning her seasonings, snacks, pots, pans, and the cat.
She explained that she had been sleepless the previous night and had intended to talk to him, but finding him asleep, she didn't want to disturb him. Seeing Lu Weixun's grim expression, she quickly clarified that she had bought all the snacks herself. She observed how hard he worked and knew he must get hungry staying up late, so she thought they could eat them together as her treat. However, if he insisted on reimbursing her, she had the invoices.
Lu Weixun, however, declared that he never ate junk food and forbade her from eating them either, ordering her to throw them all away. He Buzui suggested that if he wouldn't eat snacks, she could cook for him, boasting about her culinary skills and offering to make him a meal to try. She added that she had already bought the flavorings and he could just pay her extra for her cooking.
Lu Weixun retorted that he was afraid she would poison him, to which He Buzui sarcastically remarked that it wouldn't be surprising if someone as annoying as him got poisoned. He then questioned her about the cat roaming the living room. He Buzui explained that the cat had been meowing at her door, cold and hungry, so she took it home.
Lu Weixun scoffed, asking if she pitied stray cats but not his fish, demanding to know why his fish should be eaten by a wild cat. He Buzui asked if the cat had actually eaten his fish, implying he had no proof. Lu Weixun ordered her to get rid of the cat within twenty-four hours and to clean up the mess in her room. He also forbade her from sleeping with the lights on at night.
He Buzui protested, saying she couldn't sleep without lights because she was afraid of darkness. Lu Weixun sarcastically remarked that she was afraid of something after all, thinking she was the reincarnation of a superwoman. He Buzui, concerned about his taste, said that her poor rest was minor, but affecting his sense of taste would be problematic. Lu Weixun, unmoved, informed her that the electricity bill would be deducted from her salary.
He Buzui, muttering about his meanness, then noticed a pimple on his face. She complained about all the misfortunes she experienced since meeting him, half-jokingly suggesting he was sent by her father. She also called him stupid, saying he was baffling for being unaware of his own foolishness, and attributed his pimple to his bad temper in the morning. Lu Weixun, annoyed, told her to clean up and come downstairs quickly.
He Buzui complied, and soon the living room was restored to its original tidiness. She collapsed onto the sofa, relieved. At the magazine office, Mi Ya and her colleagues were captivated by a news report on TV. The anchor announced a major development in the sommelier world, which had long been quiet. Mu Chunfeng, a renowned sommelier hailed as a great scholar in the field, had unexpectedly challenged the genius sommelier Lu Weixun, who had yet to respond.
The news sparked a debate among the magazine staff. Some questioned Mu Chunfeng's motives, suggesting he merely sought fame, while others wondered if Lu Weixun would accept the challenge, noting his eccentric personality. They discussed the implications for their magazine, which had an exclusive contract with Lu Weixun.
Some believed Lu Weixun, with his absolute sense of taste, had nothing to fear and should confront the challenge head-on, while others thought he didn't need to respond, as a win would only be icing on the cake, but a loss would be irrecoverable. Back at Lu Weixun’s house, he was training He Buzui's sense of taste. He set out several small cups on the table.
He explained that sweetness alone had many variations, including fructose, glucose, maltose, and sucrose, with sucrose further divided into light brown sugar, dark brown sugar, white sugar, rock candy, and sugar lump. He also listed examples like Swiss sugar, fruit candy, caramel, peanut brittle, sesame seed candy, peppermint, lollipop, marshmallow, crisp candy, and toffee, emphasizing that there were countless other complex ingredients.
He tasked her with memorizing the tastes of the sugars in the cups that day, stating there were no shortcuts besides hard work. He Buzui playfully called him "Mr. Lu" and asked if they could take a more gradual approach, estimating she would need a week to memorize all the tastes. Lu Weixun immediately dismissed her, saying that only indicated her stupidity and insisted she must memorize them that day.
He Buzui protested, stating she had plans for the evening, to which Lu Weixun replied she could only leave after she had memorized them, implying that freedom was always bound by constraints. Later, Lu Weixun and Mi Ya met for dinner at a Japanese restaurant. Mi Ya raised her glass for a toast.
To conceal his abnormal taste, Lu Weixun took a sip of the Kiku-Masamune sake, which was made by putting brewed sake into barrels again and taking it out when its texture was the best, thus combining the intrinsic flavor of Japanese sake and the light scent peculiar to Yoshino firs. He declared it "good." Mi Ya chuckled, noting his unusually concise tasting notes. Lu Weixun added that the sake had a strong aroma, truly deserving its reputation as "men's booze."
Mi Ya then got straight to the point, explaining she hadn't come just to deliver wine; she wanted to discuss Mu Chunfeng's challenge. Lu Weixun cut her off, stating that if she was there to convince him to accept the challenge, then her treat would be in vain. Mi Ya clarified that she wasn't there to persuade him but to provide information, leaving the decision to him.
Lu Weixun expressed surprise that his editor was so interested in gossip outside of work. Mi Ya appealed to their long-standing professional relationship, urging him to listen. Lu Weixun firmly declared he wouldn't accept the challenge regardless of what she said, but Mi Ya insisted he must. In a nearby section of the same restaurant, He Buzui was having dinner with Yi Beidao. He asked her how she was doing, and she replied "fairly well," then inquired about him.
Yi Beidao smiled faintly, admitting he was "quite badly." He noticed a bottle charm on her bag and asked if she still kept it. He Buzui smiled, confirming she had always kept it, explaining she was nostalgic. Yi Beidao smiled at this. He Buzui then said she had always wanted to ask him a question over the years: why he didn't show up that day, and why he disappeared completely after that, for seven years.
Yi Beidao revealed that he had a car accident on her birthday. He Buzui anxiously asked if he had recovered, to which he assured her he was fine now. He explained he stayed in the hospital for too long, and when he was discharged, his mother fell ill, forcing him to drop out of school to care for her.
He Buzui lamented that he should have at least told her, as she might have been able to help, and she had been looking for him all those years. Yi Beidao finished her thought, suggesting she thought he was dead, making He Buzui smile sheepishly. Yi Beidao explained that he later found it difficult to speak up; everything around him changed after he left the hospital. He was too young to cope with the changes and felt exhausted.
He concluded by saying it was all in the past, and he had returned. He Buzui expressed how happy she was to see him again and raised her glass to toast him. Meanwhile, Mi Ya continued to present her case to Lu Weixun. She explained that from the magazine's perspective, the Chief Editor favored him accepting the challenge, as declining would negatively impact both their careers. Second, public opinion was unusually volatile.
Someone had noticed something odd about him at a magic show, and combined with his recent low public appearances, speculation was escalating, potentially becoming uncontrollable if he didn't respond. Third, Mu Chunfeng was a rising star with strong momentum, and as Lu Weixun had dominated the industry for years, many likely sought to replace him. Mi Ya then asked Lu Weixun for his thoughts. He Buzui, chatting with Yi Beidao, mentioned someone who looked like him.
Yi Beidao, curious, asked who it was, and He Buzui identified him as her boss. Yi Beidao remarked that her complaints sounded like she was talking about her boyfriend, which He Buzui immediately denied, laughing nervously and insisting it was impossible and Yi Beidao had misunderstood. She then continued to loudly complain about Lu Weixun, describing him as a "jinx" who brought difficulties into her life.
She claimed his IQ was normal but his EQ was shockingly low, adding that he had many eccentricities and a volatile temper, predicting his hairline would recede. Her loud complaints were overheard by Lu Weixun in the adjacent private room. Unable to listen further, Lu Weixun stood up, slid open the dividing door, and confronted a stunned He Buzui, who was in mid-rant.
He asked her what she was doing there, adding that he was about to ask her the same question. Mi Ya followed him out, smiling and greeting He Buzui. Yi Beidao, seeing the awkwardness, smoothly said, "What a coincidence, they're both your friends." Lu Weixun demanded to know who Yi Beidao was and their relationship, also remarking that he didn't see any resemblance to himself.
He Buzui stood up, quietly telling Lu Weixun that Yi Beidao was her senior and asking him to give her some face. She then closed the sliding door. Turning back, she quietly informed Yi Beidao that Lu Weixun was her boss. Leaving the restaurant, Lu Weixun told Mi Ya that he saw no one as an enemy and did not wish to accept the challenge, but Mi Ya urged him to reconsider.
At that moment, He Buzui and Yi Beidao also exited. Lu Weixun called out to He Buzui, who walked over and introduced Yi Beidao as her senior. Yi Beidao extended his hand, saying, "Hello," but Lu Weixun did not reciprocate, creating an awkward silence.
He Buzui quickly bid farewell to Yi Beidao, promising to treat him to a meal another day, and left with Lu Weixun, asking him why he was in such a hurry and whether he was about to impose another "unequal treaty." On the way, Lu Weixun informed He Buzui that he intended to add a supplementary agreement to their contract: she was forbidden from dating during the contract period, especially from kissing anyone.
He Buzui indignantly demanded why, asserting they had a cooperative relationship and she hadn't signed herself over to him. She worried that preventing her from dating would ruin her marriage prospects, asking what would happen if she couldn't get married. Lu Weixun calmly replied that he would take responsibility. Seeing He Buzui's surprised expression, he quickly told her not to overthink it, clarifying he wasn't proposing marriage but could offer financial compensation.
He Buzui scoffed, asking if he only saw money and if love and youth could be bought. Lu Weixun countered that there were so many things to do in life, so why insist on dating? He Buzui then asked if he had ever fallen for a girl. Lu Weixun stated he had only ever fallen for a bottle of fine red wine.
He Buzui concluded that people like him didn't deserve love, and she added that many people liked her, and dating was easy for her, unlike him who constantly worried about relationships despite lacking charm or physical attractiveness. She then accused him of illegally harassing her by following her. Lu Weixun retorted that she was being conceited and that he just happened to live on the same road.
He Buzui then complained about his house's broken sensor lights, sarcastically remarking that she had never seen so many problems before moving into his house, implying he was the cause of all misfortunes. Lu Weixun visited Mi Ya at the magazine office. Mi Ya asked if he knew about Mu Chunfeng's relationship with his father. Lu Weixun dismissively replied it was just a winery connection. Meanwhile, the magazine staff were gossiping about the same topic.
Someone revealed that Mu Chunfeng's behind-the-scenes backer was Lu Linong, the president of Lu Group, owner of Rose Winery, and Lu Weixun's father, who was also a wine expert. Others wondered if Lu Linong was sacrificing his own son. He Buzui, who happened to be nearby, overheard these shocking revelations.
Episode 5 Recap
He Buzui lay on her bed, pondering the complex relationship between Lu Weixun and his father, unable to comprehend how a parent could seemingly sabotage their own son. Meanwhile, Lu Weixun stood by a window, gazing at the night view, contemplating Mu Chunfeng's recent television interview.
In the interview, Mu Chunfeng admitted he was wary of Mr. Lu's exceptional talent for taste, but also expressed curiosity about how Lu Weixun could claim independence from his father when his very gift appeared to stem from him. After this, Lu Weixun sent Mi Ya a WeChat message, accepting the challenge, which made her smile.
Mi Ya then instructed her magazine colleagues to prepare a draft celebrating Lu Weixun's expected victory, but also insisted on a contingency article for his potential defeat, much to her Chief Editor's dismissal. Mi Ya, however, firmly stated that she understood Mu Chunfeng's true capabilities, believing he was a formidable opponent. On the day of the competition, a crowd of enthusiastic fans gathered outside Wanjia Hotel, eagerly awaiting Lu Weixun's appearance.
As he arrived amidst their cheers, one fan asked for his thoughts on the upcoming tasting, to which he simply replied he hoped it would end soon. Elsewhere, Lu Linong, Lu Weixun's father, spoke on the phone with Mu Chunfeng, noting that his son was always the focal point of any event. He expressed his desire for this to change after the competition, a wish Mu Chunfeng readily promised to fulfill, solidifying their collaborative effort.
Inside the venue, He Buzui, now Lu Weixun's assistant, expressed her nervousness for him, even getting lost briefly while looking for the waiting room. During her search, she encountered Mr. Wan, the owner of Wanjia Hotel, who recognized her as the daughter of his old friend, He Wangyou. In the waiting room, Lu Weixun approached He Buzui to perform their taste exchange. He Buzui immediately questioned if this meant only two more exchanges remained.
Lu Weixun, annoyed, asked if being kissed by him was truly so painful. She mumbled that it was awkward to be kissed by someone one disliked, prompting Lu Weixun to stare, asking if she hated him so much. He Buzui deflected, claiming "not much," and attempted to slip away. Lu Weixun swiftly pulled her back into a kiss, but she bit him, making him recoil in pain.
He lashed out, covering his mouth in pain, called her a "dog-turned creature" and questioned if she wanted to be fired. He Buzui retorted, asking if there was a better way to handle a "rascal pervert" like him. Lu Weixun then asserted that she should have self-awareness, as she was the one who benefited from their taste changes, regardless of the process or outcome, and instructed her to accurately time him during the upcoming competition.
The esteemed blind tasting competition commenced. The host outlined the rules: each of the fifty wine cups before the two sommeliers required precise identification of its vintage, region, and components on a card, with the first to complete all cards declared the victor. The match began intensely, with commentators noting the stark contrast in styles—Mu Chunfeng displayed unhurried steadiness, while Lu Weixun was swift and decisive.
Initially, Lu Weixun showed great speed, quickly identifying a wine with strong cigar tannins and a grand, clear structure. However, his pace gradually slowed, and he appeared to struggle with the final wine, muttering about two contrasting, unprecedented flavors. Meanwhile, Mu Chunfeng maintained a consistent, steady rhythm, confidently identifying notes like cherry, rose, raspberry, plum, violet, and pepper. Ultimately, Mu Chunfeng was the first to complete his card, securing the win.
The outcome caused an uproar among Lu Weixun's fans; one distraught woman cried "Rigged!" and hurled a bottle towards him, which He Buzui deftly intercepted. Observing the scene, the Chief Editor sighed, remarking that Lu Weixun was on the verge of losing his esteemed status. Mi Ya, however, remained composed, instructing her colleagues to immediately begin writing the article on Lu Weixun's defeat, revealing she had a pre-written piece about Mu Chunfeng's victory already in her mailbox.
At home, Lu Linong watched the competition video, seemingly unfazed by the outcome. He received a call from the magazine, confirming that the result was as he had anticipated, and instructed them to proceed with their prior arrangements. His butler, expressing concern, gently questioned if his treatment of Lu Weixun was overly cruel.
Lu Linong sighed, admitting he hadn't wanted to be so harsh on his son, but felt compelled to, hoping that one day Lu Weixun would understand his difficult choices. He also instructed his butler to reassure Mu Chunfeng that he needn't worry about a certain matter. Meanwhile, He Buzui, who had briefly encountered Mr. Wan again outside, returned home with Lu Weixun.
She immediately began to chide him, remarking that his foul mouth and hot temper would inevitably lead him to trouble, and though she advised him to change, she doubted his ability to do so. Lu Weixun, exasperated, demanded to know why she was still there. He Buzui claimed she had stayed out of kindness after his loss, only to be met with his ingratitude. Lu Weixun then bitterly accused her of wanting him to lose, just like everyone else.
Stung by his misunderstanding, He Buzui deliberately affirmed his accusation, declaring that his petty nature made him deserving of the loss. Enraged, Lu Weixun ordered her to leave his sight immediately. He Buzui, equally angry, retorted that she would leave, emphatically stating, "Whoever doesn't leave is a puppy." As He Buzui gathered her belongings to leave, Lu Weixun was overcome with sorrow, his mind flashing back to his childhood when his mother left.
He recalled asking her why she was departing if he was her pride, and whether her leaving was because he had lost. Finding Lu Weixun sprawled drunk on the cold floor of the living room, He Buzui felt a pang of pity. She tried to help him up, worried he would catch a cold, but he was too heavy to move.
As she attempted to fetch a blanket, Lu Weixun pulled her close, his eyes closed, and tearfully pleaded with her, "Don't leave. Xiaoxun didn't lose. Dad hasn't come back. Mom, don't leave." He Buzui gently stroked his head, promising that she absolutely would not leave. Despite her earlier declaration about being a "puppy" if she stayed, she decided that being a "puppy" was quite endearing, resolving to stay by his side.
The following day, the Chief Editor informed Mi Ya that Doctor Wine magazine would be severing all ties with Lu Weixun, and the official notice had already been dispatched. Mi Ya promptly submitted her resignation, explaining that Lu Weixun's failure had rendered him without value, and as his editor, she felt obliged to take responsibility.
The Chief Editor offered her a month's paid leave to reconsider, but Mi Ya stated her decision was firm, to which the Chief Editor responded that it might not be so, and her leave started that day. Meanwhile, a despondent Lu Weixun emerged from his bedroom. He Buzui greeted him, but he ignored her, retrieving a bottle of wine.
A news report on television announced Doctor Wine magazine's termination of cooperation with the "sommelier of genius," Lu Weixun, following his defeat by Mu Chunfeng, questioning if this signaled the rise of a new era. He Buzui quickly turned off the television, trying to comfort him by saying the media exaggerated things and he shouldn't take it seriously. Lu Weixun, however, took a drink and sombrely replied that he had already lost, regardless of his seriousness.
He Buzui then took some responsibility, admitting she might not have protected his taste effectively, and was surprised by his deep sadness. Lu Weixun curtly asked why she was still there if she had said she would leave. He Buzui shook her head, clarifying that while she intended to leave, it was "not now." She avoided mentioning his vulnerable plea from the previous night, instead citing their contract and her unpaid debts as reasons to stay.
Lu Weixun retorted that he had drafted the contract and had the right to change it, declaring he needed nothing from her, as she held no meaning for him now that he had lost. He Buzui scoffed at his words, arguing that it was merely one competition, questioning his extreme reaction. Lu Weixun firmly stated that his life allowed for no failures.
He Buzui challenged him further, asking if he could truly accept losing to an unknown "small fish," and urged him to give himself another chance, suggesting his loss was due to immense pressure and time constraints. Elsewhere, Mu Chunfeng shared a drink with Xia Fan, who inquired about a specific blended wine, which Mu Chunfeng confirmed was his creation. When Xia Fan then approached Lu Weixun, he dismissed her, assuming her presence was an act of pity.
Episode 6 Recap
After losing a competition, Lu Weixun expressed his humiliation at needing He Buzui's charity. He told her to recognize her place, but she retorted that he should be the one to look at himself. When Lu Weixun ordered her to leave, He Buzui firmly stated that she would not go, no matter what he said. Meanwhile, Mu Chunfeng called Lu Linong, seeking clarification on the blended wine from the competition.
Lu Linong admitted it was his arrangement but assured Mu Chunfeng that the wine was not tampered with. Mu Chunfeng noted that while he could identify the blend, Lu Weixun's failure to do so proved his lack of capability. As per their agreement, Lu Linong confirmed that Rose Winery now belonged to Mu Chunfeng, who smugly reflected that Lu Weixun was not as formidable as he appeared.
Lu Weixun, despondent, moped around the house, watching cartoons and absentmindedly making messes, with He Buzui quietly cleaning up after him. He then saw a TV news report announcing that Lu Linong was restructuring his wine business. The report highlighted that Mu Chunfeng had unexpectedly become the new owner of the long-mismanaged Rose Winery after defeating Lu Weixun. The news triggered a memory for Lu Weixun of his ailing mother, who had insisted on personally managing the family winery.
As a child, he had promised to grow up quickly so she could entrust it to him. Worried, He Buzui called Hao Yong, concerned that Lu Weixun might not recover from the setback. Hearing a crash, she rushed to Lu Weixun's room to find it littered with broken wine bottles. When Lu Weixun grabbed his car keys to leave, she snatched them away, accusing him of trying to drive drunk.
He shot back, asking what his life or death had to do with her. He Buzui insisted that as his bodyguard, she had a duty to protect him. Dejected, Lu Weixun claimed his sense of taste was gone, leaving nothing to protect. He Buzui offered to drive him wherever he needed to go. She drove him to a cemetery, where he placed flowers on his mother's grave.
Wiping dust from the tombstone, he recalled his mother gifting him the first bottle of wine from Rose Winery for his birthday. He then softly asked his mother's photo if, after his loss, he was still her pride. On the drive back, He Buzui remarked that he must love his mother very much, adding sadly that her own mother died when she was very young. Her phone then rang with a call from her senior, who asked her to dinner.
She declined, citing it was inconvenient, and they agreed to reschedule. Later, Hao Yong called, hinting that the competition had been manipulated and arranged to meet her. The next day, He Buzui met with Hao Yong and Xia Fan, a fervent fan of Lu Weixun. Xia Fan presented evidence of a coordinated smear campaign, showing how dozens of media outlets unrelated to the wine industry had uniformly criticized Lu Weixun after the competition.
He declared it a conspiracy to drive his idol out of the sommelier world. They went to Lu Weixun's home, but he dismissed their evidence, stating that a loss was a loss. While he acknowledged there was a hidden hand, he blamed his own overconfidence for the defeat. Xia Fan, distraught, passionately declared that this was not the dazzling "Idol" he knew and jumped on a table in agitation.
He then blamed He Buzui for Lu Weixun's decline, calling her a "femme fatale" and pointing out that his idol had never lost before she arrived. Hao Yong jumped to her defense, and the ensuing argument prompted an overwhelmed Lu Weixun to throw them both out. Later, while drinking alone, Lu Weixun admitted to He Buzui that it was a conspiracy, but he felt helpless.
She snatched his glass, drank the wine herself, and insisted he come with her to climb a mountain. Though he quickly grew exhausted, she encouraged him to push forward. At their campsite, she revealed she had lost her own sense of taste as a child after falling into a wine vat. Expecting sympathy, she was instead met with Lu Weixun's deadpan remark: "No wonder your IQ is so low. Your brain was literally in water."
He Buzui then led him to the seashore and called out for the "confident, proud, and fearless" Lu Weixun to return. He confessed that his talent had been defeated and perhaps he was never as strong as he thought. She countered that talent can become blinding pride, and assured him she believed he would rise again because he was her boss and still had things he needed to take back. Her playful encouragement made him smile.
Later, He Buzui presented a dish she cooked. Despite his skepticism, she urged him to eat, hoping the flavors might restore his sense of taste. She also produced a bottle of wine from his study, annoying Lu Weixun, who had forbidden her from touching his collection. Separately, Lu Weixun was seen despairing that his father was right and he was unsuited to be a sommelier, as his palate could only identify single wines but not mixed flavors.
He Buzui encouraged him to face challenges to improve, and a memory of his mother’s voice echoed her belief in him, calling him the best and mentioning a new wine from Rose Winery.
Episode 7 Recap
For ten years, Lu Weixun has carried the burden of his mother's death, a sorrow he cannot escape. He is resolute in his vow to reclaim Rose Winery, acknowledging that if he accepts this daunting challenge, he must also bear its consequences. For him, money, honor, and status have never been his true desires; what he wants, he intends to take back. He confronts his father, Lu Linong, who asks if he has made up his mind.
Lu Weixun retorts that Lu Linong should not assume his past actions remain hidden, to which Lu Linong warns him against interfering with the winery. Lu Weixun fiercely asserts his right to reclaim Rose Winery and denies Lu Linong's authority to meddle. Lu Linong, questioning Lu Weixun's decision to waste his time, presents two options: return as an heir or fight for it with his own ability. Lu Weixun chooses the latter, turning to leave.
As he walks away, Lu Linong reveals that the winery has been losing money for years and he intends to dispose of it quickly. This stops Lu Weixun in his tracks, who declares he will not allow his mother's legacy to be sold. Later that evening, Yi Beidao calls He Buzui, suggesting they meet for dinner. He Buzui cheerfully accepts, inquiring about the location.
Yi Beidao proposes they revisit their old school, a suggestion He Buzui finds appealing as she too has wanted to go back. They agree to meet there the following morning. The next morning, Lu Weixun discovers a note from He Buzui on his door, informing him that she has taken a one-day leave for an urgent matter. Meanwhile, He Buzui is overjoyed to be back on campus with Yi Beidao, remarking on how little the school has changed.
They reminisce, pointing out where they first met and where they took their first photo together. Inside a classroom, He Buzui recalls a past misunderstanding involving letters she wrote on a desk. She had subtly inquired if he liked her, but Yi Beidao misinterpreted it as a request for dark plums, offering her a bottle from his personal collection. She then challenged him to write something difficult, which turned out to be "WXSN."
He Buzui, misunderstanding the letters as a suggestive phrase, angrily stood up to demand an explanation, only to be embarrassed by the stares of classmates and quickly sit back down. Yi Beidao clarified that it stood for "Literature Girl," causing He Buzui to blush. They then rewrite their old words on the desk, sharing a laugh. Throughout this time, Lu Weixun attempts to call He Buzui, but his calls go unanswered.
Lu Weixun then meets with Mu Chunfeng, surprisingly proposing a rematch. Mu Chunfeng finds the offer disadvantageous, reminding Lu Weixun that he already won and secured both the Rose Winery and his reputation, thanks to Lu Weixun's previous fame and recent defeat. Lu Weixun counters that human desire is infinite, implying Mu Chunfeng, now possessing Rose Winery, must covet Muunas Winery too.
He proposes the stakes: if Lu Weixun loses, Muunas Winery goes to Mu Chunfeng; if Lu Weixun wins, he takes Rose Winery. Mu Chunfeng questions Lu Weixun's objectivity as a wine critic who also owns a winery. Lu Weixun makes a significant commitment: he will announce his retirement from the sommeliers' circle after the competition, win or lose, as a show of sincerity. Seeing Lu Weixun's willingness to stake his entire life, Mu Chunfeng accepts the challenge.
Later, outside the school, Yi Beidao buys He Buzui a popsicle, and she expresses her happiness. Seeing her joyful, Yi Beidao silently reflects that the "WXSN" he wrote earlier actually symbolized his desire to harm her, a sinister thought that He Buzui remains completely oblivious to. He then gives her a key-chain with a joker doll, surprising He Buzui, who recalls his past dislike for such "negative characters." Yi Beidao simply responds that people change.
As Lu Weixun returns home, he spots Yi Beidao dropping off He Buzui. Their close interaction visibly irritates him. Yi Beidao greets Lu Weixun, who curtly replies that he is "not fine" and feels "worse" for seeing him, before ordering He Buzui to come inside. Back home, He Buzui pours Lu Weixun a glass of juice. He immediately asks if she has memorized all seven taste segments, to which she nods.
He sternly reprimands her for taking a day off with so much work, threatening to deduct her salary. He Buzui protests, arguing she was not late. Lu Weixun counters that while her timing was accurate, she violated other rules. When she asks which, he clarifies that going out is acceptable, but not with Yi Beidao. He Buzui insists Yi Beidao is her senior and it is none of Lu Weixun's concern.
Lu Weixun, seemingly paranoid, suggests Yi Beidao might be after his sense of taste, wanting to steal it. He Buzui misinterprets this, asking if he means Yi Beidao wants to kiss her, quickly dismissing the idea by asserting her senior would never do such a thing. Lu Weixun then explains that their arrangement will conclude soon; once he defeats Mu Chunfeng, he will retire from the sommeliers' circle, thereby terminating their contract.
He Buzui expresses surprise at his decision to abandon his sommelier status. Lu Weixun explains that holding both identities, as a wine critic and winery owner, compromises objectivity. He reveals that Rose Winery, his mother's legacy, was recently transferred to Mu Chunfeng by Lu Linong, and that he previously used his first earnings to anonymously buy back Muunas Winery, which Lu Linong had auctioned. He acknowledges the immense power a sommelier like him wields.
Despite He Buzui's concern about him giving up everything, Lu Weixun declares that he is "bound to win" this time, regardless of the stakes. The next morning, a yawning He Buzui finds Lu Weixun already waiting. He instructs her to sit and identify the contents of five cups of water. After initially taking a sip from one, she complies with his request to wear a blindfold. Using both her sense of smell and taste, she accurately identifies the various substances.
Lu Weixun confirms her perfect score. Elated, He Buzui asks if this makes her a genius and if she should receive a reward. Lu Weixun quickly dampens her enthusiasm, warning her not to get carried away and to abandon any thoughts of future leave. He explains that these were just "basic tastes" and that the "real exam" with red wine will begin with a baseline test the following day, causing He Buzui to slump dejectedly in her chair.
Lu Weixun summons Xia Fan, entrusting him with the task of supervising He Buzui's taste training and making her watch videos of his past competitions, as he needs to go out to recruit new staff. Xia Fan, embracing his role as a loyal follower, assures Lu Weixun that He Buzui will remain intently focused and not leave, as they work to devise future training methods.
Xia Fan immediately puts He Buzui to the task, having her try to identify various scents and tastes. Meanwhile, Lu Weixun visits a newly opened "web celebrity bar" owned by Yi Beidao, where he intends to meet Mi Ya. He offers Mi Ya a lucrative position as his "taste trainer," explaining his need for her expertise to achieve a "perfect victory" in his upcoming rematch against Mu Chunfeng.
Despite Lu Weixun's detailed proposition, Mi Ya firmly declines, stating she has no desire to help him, and requests he stop bothering her guests. Following Lu Weixun's departure, patrons of the bar openly criticize his personality and celebrate Mu Chunfeng's recent triumph, while Xia Fan, also present at the bar, asserts his unwavering loyalty to Lu Weixun despite the negative comments. Back home, Lu Weixun resumes He Buzui's taste training with heightened intensity.
He administers a quiz where she must identify the wineries, origins, and climates of various wines, a task she initially struggles with. He then assigns her to memorize the flavors and underlying taste information of numerous wines within a month. He Buzui, despite the daunting task, confidently accepts, believing her high alcohol tolerance will aid her. She dedicates herself to diligent study, reading and tasting extensively.
One evening, completely exhausted, she falls asleep at the coffee table, prompting Lu Weixun to gently carry her to the sofa and cover her with a blanket, a rare display of quiet care. Later, during her training, she questions, "What is Pinot noir?"
Episode 8 Recap
Lu Weixun continued He Buzui's taste training, emphasizing the tight schedule of twenty bottles per day. He suggested she spit out the wine after identifying its flavor. He Buzui's eyes widened, finding it extravagant to waste such fine wine. Lu Weixun commented that she seemed to pity his wine, to which He Buzui replied that she simply couldn't stand waste. Lu Weixun then opened a bottle of red wine and poured a glass.
He Buzui quickly picked it up to drink, but Lu Weixun stopped her, clarifying that he was teaching her to taste, not to chug. He demonstrated, instructing her to first observe the wine's color. When he asked her what color she saw, she simply said "red." Lu Weixun explained that a wine's color reveals many details: lighter colors suggest a more delicate body, like Pinot Noir and Gamay, while darker colors indicate a richer body, like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
He added that as wine ages, its color evolves from ruby red to pomegranate red, and even to reddish-brown. He also mentioned that "wine legs" or "wine tears" reflect alcohol levels and body intensity. He Buzui remarked that it sounded more complicated than choosing lipstick shades. She then asked if she could drink it, having observed enough. Lu Weixun urged patience, emphasizing that the aroma was a gateway to understanding the wine, allowing one to deduce its richness.
Closing his eyes, he leaned in to smell the wine's aroma. He Buzui mimicked him, closing her eyes and leaning close. Their faces were very near, and Lu Weixun seemed to feel her hair brush against his cheek. He opened his eyes, watching her absorbed expression. He Buzui slowly opened her eyes and, noticing Lu Weixun looking at her, quickly drew back.
Both looked slightly awkward, but Lu Weixun pretended nothing happened and resumed his lecture, though a subtle feeling had stirred between them. Lu Weixun continued, explaining that wine's aroma could reveal the grape variety, growing environment, picking season, brewing techniques, and aging time. He Buzui was amazed, so Lu Weixun offered her the glass to try. He Buzui eagerly closed her eyes and inhaled forcefully, making Lu Weixun chuckle.
She admitted she couldn't smell anything, and Lu Weixun told her that smelling too hard would numb her sense of smell, as the alcohol would paralyze it. He Buzui then took a gentle sniff and excitedly announced she could smell something, though she still couldn't identify it. Lu Weixun instructed her to take a sip. She took a large gulp, prompting Lu Weixun to smile and clarify it wasn't a toast.
He advised taking a small sip, leaving enough space for the wine to swirl in her mouth, but not too little, lest it be swallowed by saliva. As she tasted, He Buzui described her perceptions, which Lu Weixun elaborated on. She detected "black pepper," wondering how such a strange flavor could be in wine. Lu Weixun confirmed her observation, explaining that distinct grape varieties had unique flavors, and black pepper was characteristic of Syrah specialty wines from cold regions.
He then encouraged her to discern any other flavors, and she identified sour plum. She also noticed mosaics on a light board in the reflection, and Lu Weixun mentioned violets, amusing He Buzui as she commented no one would chew flower petals. She concluded that the wine tasted really good.
Meanwhile, Mi Ya's younger brother, still bearing a grudge against Yi Beidao for stopping him from taking his sister's bank card, led a group to cause trouble at Yi Beidao's bar. Yi Beidao quickly subdued them and demanded an apology. Just then, Mi Ya walked in. Her brother immediately claimed Yi Beidao had hit him. Mi Ya reprimanded her brother for causing a scene and ordered him to leave, ignoring his complaints about Yi Beidao's character.
After her brother left, Mi Ya thanked Yi Beidao. Yi Beidao remarked that he hadn't expected her to have such a brother, and Mi Ya concurred, reflecting on how kinship could sometimes be a source of trouble that left her helpless. Yi Beidao offered her a seat, dismissing her thanks for a mere glass of wine.
Mi Ya then confessed that she didn't want others to know certain things about her, to which Yi Beidao responded that everyone had their secrets and he wasn't curious about what she preferred not to share. He Buzui's wine tasting training progressed well, and as a reward, Lu Weixun granted her a day off, though he warned her to return before dinner and not violate his rules. He Buzui happily returned to her room to rest.
Shortly after, Beidao called, inviting her to meet the next morning at their usual spot, saying he had a gift for her. He Buzui recalled Lu Weixun's earlier prohibition against her going out with Beidao, who Lu Weixun suspected might be after his sense of taste. However, she decided to go anyway, confidently asserting she had nothing to hide. The next day, she arrived at the designated meeting place, where Beidao was already waiting.
He Buzui apologized for making him wait, acknowledging how difficult it was to be the one waiting. They then headed to an amusement park where, to her surprise and delight, two cartoon mascots approached her holding a "Happy Birthday He Buzui" sign. She thanked Beidao, revealing she had forgotten it was her birthday and that Lu Weixun's unexpected day off had made her attendance possible.
While He Buzui was out, Lu Weixun called Hao Yong, asking him to bring items He Buzui liked to his home for a birthday celebration. When Hao Yong arrived with the items, he playfully praised Lu Weixun for being such a good boss, celebrating an employee's birthday. Lu Weixun, however, dismissed it, claiming he was merely pitying and sympathizing with her, and told Hao Yong not to overthink it.
Hao Yong then mused about how difficult it must be for He Buzui to work for a perfectionist like Lu Weixun, urging him to hurry with the preparations. As He Buzui and Beidao enjoyed themselves at the amusement park, Lu Weixun and Hao Yong busily prepared for her birthday at home. He Buzui expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Beidao, saying she had an exceptionally good time and hadn't had so much fun in a long time.
Beidao asked if she liked it, and she affirmed her enjoyment, finding the experience wonderful. Beidao then asked if she liked him and proposed they be together. Facing his sudden confession, He Buzui was momentarily at a loss for words. At home, as Lu Weixun reached for the cake, he accidentally knocked He Buzui's dark plum bottle onto the floor, shattering it. Hao Yong saw it and exclaimed that something terrible had happened, leaving Lu Weixun bewildered.
At the amusement park, Beidao presented He Buzui with a gift he had prepared seven years ago, saying he never expected to finally give it to her today. He reiterated his request for her to be his girlfriend. A flicker of doubt crossed He Buzui's mind, remembering how he had intentionally dodged her when she tried to confess her feelings seven years prior.
He Buzui apologized to Beidao, admitting she was deeply touched by his actions and words, and acknowledged that she had once been drawn to him. However, she firmly stated that she couldn't accept his proposal now. When he pressed her for a reason, she explained that she was currently working for Lu Weixun, a fact Beidao already knew.
He Buzui then revealed the unusual circumstances: she and Lu Weixun had exchanged their senses of taste due to an accident, and later, to settle her debt with a loan shark, a tripartite contract was signed, requiring her to work for Lu Weixun. Her specific duty was to guard his sense of taste and return it to him when necessary. When Beidao asked about the method of return, she hesitantly said, "Kiss."
Beidao laughed, calling her story a miracle, but asserted he didn't believe in miracles. He hoped she would consider what he had said that day. He Buzui silently wondered how she could possibly respond to him when she was bound to share lip contact with Lu Weixun. Later that evening, He Buzui returned home to find Hao Yong greeting her with "Happy birthday." Lu Weixun, however, greeted her with a sullen expression, demanding to know why she was so late.
He Buzui vaguely apologized, saying she had been delayed. Hao Yong interjected that they had been waiting, hungry, for her. He Buzui retorted that they should have eaten without her. Annoyed, Lu Weixun angrily pulled out a chair and sat down. Hao Yong quietly told He Buzui that Lu Weixun had spent the entire day preparing for her birthday, and her attitude would hurt him. He Buzui realized her mistake and asked if everything had indeed been prepared by them.
Hao Yong smoothed things over, explaining that Lu Weixun had given her the day off precisely to arrange the birthday celebration, making her lateness truly her fault. He Buzui quickly apologized again, admitting she hadn't understood the situation, and went to wash her hands. Passing the trash can, she spotted her shattered dark plum bottle inside. Holding the trash can, she confronted Lu Weixun, demanding an explanation. He calmly admitted he had broken it.
Furious, He Buzui threw the trash can at his feet, accusing him of not understanding its significance to her and questioning his indifferent attitude. Lu Weixun dismissed it as "just a broken bottle," offering to buy her a new one and asking why she was so angry. He Buzui insisted she wanted "that specific one".
As she crouched down to retrieve the pieces from the trash, Lu Weixun tried to pull her away, but her finger was cut by a shard of glass. Standing up angrily, she declared that knowing him was the worst luck of her life, and grabbing her coat, she ran out of the house. That night, Lu Weixun tossed and turned, unable to sleep. He eventually got up and meticulously glued the shattered dark plum bottle back together, piece by piece.
The next day, Hao Yong arrived and found Lu Weixun drinking alone. He asked if He Buzui had returned overnight. Lu Weixun stated he knew who she had been with, picking up a photo of He Buzui and Beidao at the amusement park from the table. Hao Yong encouraged him to fight for her if he liked her. Lu Weixun, however, retorted that he hated her, claiming he only cared about his sense of taste.
Hao Yong called him contradictory and hinted that if He Buzui was with someone she loved, her sense of taste might be affected, making Lu Weixun's expression change as he seemed to grasp the implication. Enraged, he stormed to Yi Beidao's bar and demanded to know where He Buzui was. Yi Beidao refused to tell him. Lu Weixun then barged into Yi Beidao's room, where he noticed some peculiar photos on the wall.
As he leaned in to examine them, Yi Beidao stepped in front of him, blocking his view. In a flashback, it was revealed that seven years ago, He Buzui had tried to confess her feelings to Beidao, but he had intentionally dodged her, saying they should talk about it later. Around the same time, Mr. Wan, an old friend of He Buzui's father, visited their home late at night.
He Buzui's father had changed significantly, his memory impaired since he quit drinking and sold his winery to pay for He Buzui's serious illness when she was young. He had stopped brewing his famous "Pear Blossom" wine, considering it ominous. Mr. Wan expressed regret over the lost winery, while He Buzui encouraged him to visit her father more often. Her father then mentioned his former deputy, who had gone missing, and expressed a desire to find him again. He Buzui offered to wash the bowls for her father, who, despite his memory issues, insisted on doing it himself.
Episode 9 Recap
Lu Weixun arrived at Yi Beidao's bar, searching for He Buzui. He walked into Yi Beidao's room and saw strange photos displayed on the wall. As he attempted to examine them more closely, Yi Beidao entered, blocking his view. Yi Beidao sternly reminded him, "This is my home. What do you want?" Lu Weixun warned the "candid freak" not to harm He Buzui, or he would "give you a good lesson," before Yi Beidao prompted him to leave.
Meanwhile, Hao Yong finally reached He Buzui on the phone, informing her that Lu Weixun was searching for her everywhere. He Buzui lamented that Lu Weixun had broken her bottle, but Hao Yong countered, "But you broke his heart." He revealed that Lu Weixun had given He Buzui a day off and summoned Hao Yong early that morning to prepare a surprise birthday party for her.
Hao Yong emphasized that Lu Weixun had genuinely changed a lot, and he had witnessed it. However, He Buzui had lied to him and gone on a date with Beidao. He Buzui quickly denied it, insisting it was a misunderstanding. Hao Yong urged her to explain herself if it was truly a misunderstanding, advising her to cancel the contract with Lu Weixun if she was unhappy, as they could find other ways to make money.
He concluded by saying that her unhappiness would sadden him too. He Buzui acknowledged his words, asking for some time to think. Yi Beidao drove to He Buzui’s house. As he approached, he was overcome by a flashback. He recalled his distraught mother, with him and his younger sibling, crying outside the He family winery. She desperately pleaded to see "my dad," Yi Jianguo, and "Mr. He."
Security guards blocked their entry, with one guard remarking to another that Yi Jianguo had reportedly stolen a wine formula and fled, abandoning his wife and children. The guard pitied the "pathetic" wife and children he left behind. Back in the present, Yi Beidao entered He Buzui’s house, where she happily greeted her "senior." Noticing her busy at her convenience store, he commented on how tiring her work must be, asking if she truly needed to hold two jobs.
He Buzui responded that she was used to it, acknowledging that her other job might seem unusual and difficult for him to accept, but affirmed it was her own choice, perhaps even a test from fate that she wanted to embrace. Yi Beidao smiled, noting her continued stubbornness. He Buzui apologized, stating she couldn't accept his feelings, but Yi Beidao assured her it was fine and he could wait. He Buzui thanked him and invited him inside.
Upon entering the yard, they found He Buzui's father, He Wangyou, cutting watermelon. He Buzui introduced Yi Beidao as her senior. He Wangyou looked at Yi Beidao, remarking, "He resembles. . ." He Buzui pressed him, asking, "Whom does he resemble?" but He Wangyou, seemingly confused, kept muttering, unable to recall. He Buzui apologized for her father's "old" mind and asked Yi Beidao not to mind. Yi Beidao chuckled softly.
Yi Beidao then asked He Wangyou if he still brewed wines. He Wangyou chuckled sadly, saying no, it was "ominous." Yi Beidao privately reflected that He Wangyou's "misfortune" was rooted in his own father stealing the wine formula, a misfortune that had caused Yi Beidao's own family immense pain. A painful memory flashed through his mind of his mother, desperate with a "Missing" poster, asking strangers if they had seen his father.
Unconsciously, his hand drifted towards the watermelon knife on the table. He Buzui, who was eating a slice of watermelon, noticed and told him to stop cutting, saying there was enough. Yi Beidao quickly released the knife. Just then, Lu Weixun walked into the yard. Spotting He Buzui and Yi Beidao together, Lu Weixun approached He Buzui, questioning who Yi Beidao was. He then grabbed He Buzui's hand, instructing her to return with him.
He Buzui was pulled by Lu Weixun, but her other hand was held by Yi Beidao, who told Lu Weixun to let go. Lu Weixun retorted that Yi Beidao was the one who should let go. He Wangyou, oblivious to the tension, asked if they were playing a game. He Buzui, trying to lighten the mood, laughed and said they were playing tug-of-war.
He Buzui asked her father to look after Yi Beidao, then told Lu Weixun to come outside with her, promising to be right back. He Wangyou, inviting everyone to eat, tried to pull Yi Beidao towards the table, but Yi Beidao instinctively pulled his hand away. He Wangyou paused, surprised, and Yi Beidao quickly apologized for his lapse.
He Wangyou, sensing an undercurrent of tension but not dwelling on it, simply said he would go fry a couple more dishes and turned to head inside. Outside, Lu Weixun demanded He Buzui return with him, but she refused. Lu Weixun accused her of being unable to distinguish good from evil. He Buzui retorted that she had mistakenly taken him for a good person and accused him of deliberately oppressing her.
Lu Weixun insisted that Yi Beidao was deliberately investigating her, but He Buzui dismissed it as separate matters, telling him not to be "pigheaded" and to leave if he only wanted to argue. Just then, He Wangyou called for them to eat. Lu Weixun, declaring he was hungry and wanted to eat, turned and went back into the yard, despite He Buzui's protests. The four of them sat down to eat.
Yi Beidao meticulously described the ingredients in the chicken soup, noting the "superior honey mushrooms," three hours of simmering with "hen," and various Chinese medicinal materials. He Wangyou complimented his excellent sense of taste and invited Lu Weixun to try to identify other ingredients. He Buzui quickly interjected, explaining that Lu Weixun had a cold and shouldn't eat such dishes. He Wangyou then offered them vegetables with his secret sauce.
Lu Weixun then beckoned He Buzui to step outside, claiming it was for work-related matters. Outside, He Buzui tried to console him, saying it was just a simple meal and it didn't matter if he couldn't identify the ingredients, advising him not to be so competitive. Lu Weixun, however, declared he could not lose to Yi Beidao. When He Buzui wondered if he intended to "exchange" their senses of taste, she became alarmed and quickly ran into the nearby supermarket.
Lu Weixun followed her in, closing the door behind them. He announced his intention to show them what "the top taste" and "the unparalleled taste" truly were. As Lu Weixun approached, He Buzui desperately tried to evade him, eventually climbing onto the window sill and jumping outside, only to land directly in Lu Weixun's arms, who had been waiting there. He then kissed her lips before releasing her, asserting, "I’m the boss. It’s up to me."
Returning to the yard, Lu Weixun took a sip of the chicken soup and, after a thoughtful pause, accurately identified all the ingredients to He Wangyou: wild honey mushrooms from Changbai Mountains, hen, and Chinese medicinal materials like angelica, cordycepin, yam, and gorgon euryale seeds. He noted the dish was sweet and slightly sour, but expressed confusion about a garlic taste.
He Buzui initially dismissed it as a mistake, but He Wangyou chuckled, admitting that a clove of garlic had accidentally fallen into the pot and he had quickly retrieved it. He expressed astonishment that Lu Weixun had tasted even that, praising him profusely. Meanwhile, Mu Chunfeng was savoring a red wine from Rose Winery, admiring its alluring "second aroma." He received a call from Lu Linong, who inquired about his preparations.
Mu Chunfeng confidently stated that his taste buds had been ready since the last competition. Lu Linong then asked what Lu Weixun truly desired, to which Mu Chunfeng replied, "Rose Winery." He assured his "Master" that Lu Weixun would "not take anything from me." Back at He Buzui's home, Lu Weixun informed He Wangyou that he and He Buzui had work to do and would be leaving, promising to cook for him another time. He Wangyou cheerfully agreed.
Lu Weixun then pulled He Buzui to leave, despite her protests that she hadn't finished eating. Yi Beidao remained silent, his expression grim. He looked at He Wangyou, wondering if he suffered from senile dementia, but concluded that no matter what, He Wangyou's past sins could not be erased. He then bid He Wangyou farewell and departed. On the drive back, Lu Weixun handed He Buzui the bottle he had meticulously repaired.
He Buzui, holding the fixed bottle, smiled and said she forgave him. Lu Weixun then commented that he got praise from her father, implying the kiss was worth it. He Buzui, puzzled by his values, questioned his childishness in kissing someone merely to compete with Yi Beidao. Lu Weixun, ever the boss, retorted that he was the boss and made the rules.
He then warned her that if he lost the upcoming competition against Mu Chunfeng after having gone to such lengths to showcase his "top taste," her debt would double, attributing it to her "affair" with Beidao, which He Buzui immediately dismissed as his "petty" mind. Lu Weixun then announced that "Mr. Mu" was arriving soon and they needed to prepare. He Buzui's accuracy in taste training was excellent, but her speed was slow.
With only two weeks left until the competition against Mu Chunfeng, a significant speed improvement was needed. He Buzui suggested improving Lu Weixun's writing speed through physical training, likening it to an athlete's pre-competition regimen to optimize physical condition. Lu Weixun, who disliked sweating, initially resisted, but He Buzui pushed him to train, insisting they must finish the competition within ten minutes and increase his speed by fifty percent.
She then took him to the gym, making him run, engage his abdominal muscles, and add weights, pushing him despite his complaints about being tired. After the intense training, Lu Weixun offered to treat He Buzui to a drink. However, once they arrived, He Buzui hesitated to exit the car, realizing they were at Yi Beidao's bar. Lu Weixun questioned her apprehension, stating he simply wanted to support her senior’s business.
He Buzui, deciding she had nothing to fear, accompanied him inside. Yi Beidao greeted them, remarking on the "welcome" visitors. Lu Weixun ordered an "Aberlour original, Cask No. 39, on the rocks." After Yi Beidao prepared it, Lu Weixun touched the glass and complained it was "not cold enough." Yi Beidao then poured it out and prepared another. Lu Weixun then added that he drank slowly and requested "spherical ice cubes." He Buzui, annoyed, told Yi Beidao to ignore him.
Lu Weixun explained he was there to supervise He Buzui, ensuring no "accident" befell his sense of taste before the competition. Yi Beidao then prepared a Margarita for He Buzui, who praised its deliciousness. Yi Beidao explained the drink’s history, noting it was created by Dureza for his deceased lover, Margarita, who liked salty food, hence the salt in the drink; it was a drink "for lovers." Upon hearing this, Lu Weixun’s jealousy flared.
He aggressively pulled He Buzui towards Yi Beidao's room, declaring he would expose what her "romantic schoolmate" did behind the scenes, telling her to "look at it yourself" if she didn't believe he was "up to no good." He Buzui protested, asking if he was crazy. They found the photos on the wall were no longer there. Yi Beidao entered the room, accusing Lu Weixun of having "no manners."
Lu Weixun retorted that Yi Beidao was a hypocrite who hid his true intentions, suggesting he was trying to frame others now that his purpose was exposed. Yi Beidao declared that no one could break his relationship with He Buzui, and the truth would "come to light sooner or later." He Buzui, fed up, demanded they stop arguing.
She told Lu Weixun not to be "conceited," stating that without Yi Beidao, she wouldn’t be who she was today, and even if he had "evil intention," she "didn’t care." Lu Weixun, infuriated, called her an "idiot" and stormed out. He Buzui apologized to Yi Beidao for the trouble, but Yi Beidao replied he was happy with what she had said. Later, Yi Beidao met Mi Ya by the river to return her umbrella.
He confessed that it was his twin brother's death anniversary, showing her a photo of them as children. Mi Ya expressed her condolences. Yi Beidao revealed that his brother had died violently, but the person responsible was still living happily. He shared that when they were young, their father was "wronged and framed" and subsequently disappeared. He admitted that he had been living with hatred for years and had no idea what a normal life felt like anymore.
Mi Ya asked what kind of person his brother was. Yi Beidao described him as gentle, unlike himself, and suggested that perhaps his brother wouldn't want him to live with such hatred. He hinted that "it will be over soon." Mi Ya asked why he was telling her all this. Yi Beidao admitted he felt better saying it out loud and considered her trustworthy, expressing happiness that she simply listened to his "nagging."
Episode 10 Recap
He Buzui, having successfully swapped clothes with Hao Yong to evade Lu Weixun's pursuit, arrived at Yi Beidao's bar for their meeting. Hao Yong, disguised as He Buzui, had managed to delay Lu Weixun, who then realized the deception and relentlessly followed the real He Buzui. At the bar, Yi Beidao presented He Buzui with a special drink.
He Buzui noted its resemblance to a Bloody Mary, to which Yi Beidao explained he had changed the base wine, altering the taste significantly. As He Buzui prepared to drink, Lu Weixun appeared, asking Yi Beidao for the same beverage. He Buzui expressed her frustration with Lu Weixun's persistent presence. After taking a sip, she confirmed the drink was delicious, identifying the base wine as spirits. Yi Beidao praised her keen palate.
He Buzui mentioned the taste felt familiar, while Lu Weixun inquired about other ingredients, which He Buzui listed as lemon, tomato, and citronella. Lu Weixun then chastised her for daring to drink recklessly the night before her important competition, ordering her to return with him. He Buzui refused, pleading for him to respect her decision. Lu Weixun tried to pull her away, but she resisted, causing her bag to be left in his hand.
Yi Beidao noticed the broken dark plum bottle hanging from the bag and offered to get her a new one. This made Lu Weixun realize the bottle was a gift from Yi Beidao, recalling He Buzui's intense anger when he had accidentally broken it previously. Overcome with a mix of anger and sadness, Lu Weixun grabbed a bottle from the bar, drank heavily, and then smashed it on the floor.
Yi Beidao immediately confronted him, leading to a physical altercation between the two men. He Buzui and a nearby waiter struggled to pull them apart. Desperate, He Buzui threatened to kiss the waiter if they didn't cease fighting, prompting the startled waiter to assure Yi Beidao that there was nothing between him and He Buzui. Lu Weixun turned to He Buzui, accusing her of threatening him.
He then approached her, asking if she truly believed she could intimidate him, and unexpectedly kissed her. He Buzui pushed him away, declaring he was insane for using their last taste exchange opportunity, which would compromise his ability to compete the next day. Lu Weixun asserted he was not insane and knew exactly what he was doing.
When He Buzui pressed him for a reason, he passionately stated that she was his and expressed his belief that Yi Beidao had ulterior motives that she failed to see. To provoke him, He Buzui intentionally declared that her mind was solely occupied with "schoolmate," elaborating that she constantly worried about Yi Beidao being lonely, getting drunk, crying alone, or being bullied. Deeply hurt by her words, Lu Weixun abruptly left the bar.
He Buzui then apologized to Yi Beidao for Lu Weixun's behavior, explaining that he had nothing left but her, and she needed to go after him. He Buzui caught up with Lu Weixun by the riverside at night. She told him that despite his acute taste, there were some flavors he surely hadn't experienced, and promptly presented him with a bowl of instant noodles. After taking a bite, Lu Weixun described it as "cheap gratification," a "cheap and convenient" taste.
He Buzui clarified it was a delicacy for ordinary people. Lu Weixun bitterly remarked that he might not even be able to taste such rough flavors in the future. He Buzui countered that food could still bring happiness, sharing that even without a sense of taste, she once felt joy while eating because gratification came from the warmth in the stomach, making things feel less bleak. Lu Weixun lamented that his last taste sensation might be instant noodles.
He Buzui admitted his actions that day were excessive, but Lu Weixun retorted that he detested threats. He then told her to leave, stating there would be no more taste exchanges and no need for the competition. He Buzui offered to stay as his bodyguard or cook, but Lu Weixun refused, explaining that without his sense of taste, he had no chance of winning; his life was a complete failure, and she wouldn't achieve her goals by staying with him.
He Buzui tried to reassure him that everything would turn out alright, but Lu Weixun expressed his belief that humans were not omnipotent, and not everything went according to plan. When He Buzui inquired about his future plans, Lu Weixun revealed he would find ways to make money, leveraging his intelligence to buy back his winery. Suddenly, He Buzui checked her phone and excitedly announced that it was 9:30 PM and his taste was still intact.
Overjoyed, she leaped into his arms, expressing her relief, having feared he would lose and she would have to leave him. With Lu Weixun's taste having miraculously returned, he embraced He Buzui, and they both laughed in joyous relief. He Buzui, realizing she was in his arms, quickly pulled away. Back at home, they sat on the sofa, fighting off sleep, fearful that his sense of taste might vanish again.
Eventually, He Buzui succumbed to exhaustion and fell asleep on the sofa, prompting Lu Weixun to gently cover her with a blanket. The following morning, Lu Weixun and He Buzui arrived at the competition venue. As the blind taste test began, Lu Weixun quickly sampled the wine and began writing on his paper. While Mu Chunfeng remained steady, the score gap widened considerably. From his home, Lu Linong observed the match.
Lu Weixun continued to perform exceptionally, while Mu Chunfeng appeared increasingly flustered and off-form. The chief editor anxiously asked Mi Ya if she had prepared a backup plan, specifically an article about Mu Chunfeng's potential loss. Mi Ya simply smiled in response. Ultimately, Lu Weixun triumphed over Mu Chunfeng with a score of 50 to 20. He Buzui leaped with excitement, and fans cheered, celebrating the return of the "wine god."
Lu Weixun walked over to He Buzui, lifted her into a joyful spin. During the press conference, a reporter asked Lu Weixun about the Rose Winery, which was the stake in the competition, and how he intended to manage it. Lu Weixun stated he would operate it carefully. When questioned if his dual role as winery owner and wine critic would compromise his impartiality, Lu Weixun solemnly declared his decision to relinquish his identity as a wine critic.
The announcement shocked those present, with reporters questioning if the decision was too hasty given his recent victory. Lu Weixun explained that his ultimate goal, whether as a wine critic or a winery operator, had always been to safeguard his mother's wineries. At home, Lu Linong stood up and turned off the television, speaking to a framed photo of his late wife, assuring her that their home and their son had remained unchanged since her passing.
Later, Xia Fan and other fans enthusiastically led Lu Weixun to Yi Beidao's bar to celebrate his victory. He Buzui, having consumed a considerable amount of alcohol, excused herself for the washroom but inadvertently wandered into the wine cellar. Suddenly, the power went out, and she realized she had forgotten her phone. The darkness triggered a traumatic childhood memory of falling into a wine barrel, and she began to cry helplessly while clutching a wine barrel.
Noticing the power outage, Lu Weixun immediately went to search for He Buzui. However, Yi Beidao found her first. He Buzui, sobbing, embraced him and pleaded for the lights to be turned on. Yi Beidao, understanding her fear of the dark, reassured her. Moments later, the power was restored. Lu Weixun saw He Buzui and Yi Beidao embracing and quietly turned to leave.
As the celebration concluded, Lu Weixun seized an opportunity to ask Yi Beidao if he had feelings for He Buzui. Yi Beidao frankly admitted that he had come for her. When Lu Weixun pressed him further, asking if he truly loved her, Yi Beidao evasively retorted, questioning why it mattered to Lu Weixun. Feeling downcast, Lu Weixun and He Buzui returned home.
He Buzui, sensing his mood, suggested that since his sense of taste had returned and he had won the competition, they should terminate their contract. Lu Weixun, with a subdued tone, agreed, stating he had been thinking the same thing.
Episode 11 Recap
Lu Weixun, having regained his sense of taste and won the competition, agreed to He Buzui's proposal to terminate their contract, though he felt a pang of sadness while admitting he shared the same thought. As they sat across from each other, they each tore their respective copies of the agreement, a quiet acknowledgment of the meaningful time they had shared. He Buzui stated that her work was finished, and she would no longer need to revolve around him.
Lu Weixun raised his glass, congratulating her on paying off her two million debt, to which He Buzui reciprocated, toasting his freedom from being burdened by her. Despite her lack of taste, He Buzui noted that her stomach confirmed the wine was excellent. She then announced she would head upstairs to pack, but Lu Weixun insisted she stay the night and leave the following morning, as it was too late.
Elsewhere, Mi Ya visited Yi Beidao, inviting him to her birthday celebration the next day. Yi Beidao dismissed the invitation, suggesting his presence wasn't necessary among her many friends. Mi Ya, however, pressed him, clarifying her intention was to ask him out. Yi Beidao, with a serious demeanor, told her he wasn't a good person and couldn't like her, as he had important matters that left no room for romance.
A dejected Mi Ya turned and walked away, Yi Beidao softly wishing her a happy birthday as she departed. The next morning, Lu Weixun sat lost in thought on the sofa until he heard He Buzui descending the stairs. He quickly picked up a book, feigning interest. He Buzui approached him with her luggage, offering a final thank you for his endurance before saying goodbye. Lu Weixun remained silent, pondering if her "goodbye" signified an end to their connection.
Outside, Yi Beidao greeted He Buzui with a smile, asking if she felt liberated and without sadness. She replied that life always moves forward. When asked about her plans, He Buzui shared her intention to find a job to support herself, prompting Yi Beidao to offer her a position at his bar. He Buzui, after playfully questioning if it was favoritism, accepted the offer, acknowledging his belief that her personality would attract many customers.
Later, Lu Weixun ascended to He Buzui's now-empty room. Its neatness only amplified a sense of coldness, leaving his heart feeling hollow as he recalled fond images of her playfully rolling around in her pajamas. Lu Weixun then visited Rose Winery, reviewing financial reports that indicated severe mismanagement and consecutive years of losses, threatening the winery's very existence. Despite the grim outlook, Lu Weixun was resolute, declaring they must continue the business regardless. He requested to sample the new vintage.
After Mr. Ma poured a glass, Lu Weixun meticulously tasted it, evaluating its harmonious blend of fruit and oak, its full body, strong structure, delicate tannins, good acidity, and aging potential, concluding it was an excellent wine. Upon learning the single bottle price was over six hundred, he remarked that for its quality, the pricing was not high. As he examined the declining sales curves on the financial report, he was reminded of He Buzui serving him instant noodles.
He had called it "cheap gratification," to which she had countered it was "ordinary people's delicious." Standing by the window, he recalled He Buzui's words that while taste perceives flavor, satisfaction truly comes from a warm stomach, making things feel less bleak. Inspired, Lu Weixun turned to Mr. Ma, asserting that neither the wine nor its price was the issue; the problem lay in their strategy.
He explained that Rose Winery's exclusive focus on high-end wines was at odds with the domestic market's limited appreciation for such products. To achieve profitability, they couldn't quickly alter consumer perceptions and had to adapt internally. While high-end wines were their signature, he proposed retaining them but reducing production, simultaneously increasing the output of their more affordably priced wines. Mr. Ma agreed, expressing his belief that they would turn the corner.
Meanwhile, Mi Ya's vacation ended, and she returned to the magazine, where her salary was doubled, and she was assigned to handle Mu Chunfeng's articles as their new consultant, a decision personally requested by Mu Chunfeng due to his trust in her abilities. After discussing work, Mu Chunfeng invited Mi Ya for a drink, suggesting a bar near her home for convenience. She accepted.
He Buzui began her new job at Yi Beidao's bar, diligently moving around, serving customers, and beaming with a radiant smile. Yi Beidao, from behind the bar, noted her exceptional cheerfulness, to which she happily replied that the job perfectly suited her, bringing a smile to his face as well. At that moment, Mu Chunfeng and Mi Ya entered the bar and found a seat. He Buzui approached Mi Ya to greet her.
Mu Chunfeng, recognizing He Buzui, inquired why Lu Weixun's former assistant was now working there. He Buzui promptly stated that his professional life had nothing to do with her. She then returned to the bar, informing Yi Beidao of their drink order and playfully remarking that Mi Ya and Mu Chunfeng had ordered the same drinks, suggesting they were congenial and questioning if Mi Ya had a liking for Mu Chunfeng.
Hearing this, Yi Beidao abruptly dropped a cocktail shaker into a bin, making a clatter that caught Mi Ya's attention. He Buzui, addressing him as Beidao, asked what was wrong, to which he simply replied his hand slipped. Yi Beidao then insisted on delivering the drinks himself. Approaching Mi Ya and Mu Chunfeng, Mu Chunfeng commented on the owner personally serving them, wondering if it was due to his or Mi Ya's influence.
Mi Ya attributed it to Mu Chunfeng, and Yi Beidao complimented their excellent taste in choosing the bar's classic drinks. Mu Chunfeng then shared a piece of information with Mi Ya, stating that Lu Weixun might not be as upright as she believed, revealing that Rose Winery was not his first acquisition. Mu Chunfeng explained that knowing this allowed him the nerve to compete against Lu Weixun.
Mi Ya listened, realizing the severe implications if this information became public, potentially endangering Lu Weixun. The very next day, the news broke. Television reports announced that Lu Weixun had secretly operated Muunas Winery while serving as a wine critic, a blatant disregard for the wine review industry's integrity rules. Rumors also circulated that the International Wine Association (WSA) had already expelled him, signaling an impending crisis of trust for his career.
When Mr. Ma asked how to address inquiring suppliers, Lu Weixun instructed him to reveal the truth, seek their understanding, and respect their decisions. Mi Ya later questioned Mu Chunfeng about his involvement in the scandal, but he denied being such a sore loser. The public uproar severely impacted Lu Weixun's winery business and even affected the magazine that had previously collaborated with him. The magazine promptly convened a meeting to devise a strategy to distance themselves from the controversy.
The chief editor proposed replacing the current cover story with an exclusive post-competition interview with Mu Chunfeng, vehemently denying any association with Lu Weixun or Muunas Winery, emphasizing their status as victims, and issuing a statement holding Lu Weixun accountable by pursuing compensation for defamation.
One employee recalled that a specific column by Lu Weixun about barrel No. 92 from Muunas Winery had been changed by Mi Ya from a wine review into an interview, warning it could be used as evidence against the magazine if reporters pressed the issue. Mi Ya was asked for her input, and Mu Chunfeng intervened, suggesting they disclose the work records between Mi Ya and Lu Weixun.
He argued this would prove Lu Weixun's rigid "no changes" policy for his drafts, and that Mi Ya, to prevent the magazine from having a blank issue, had no choice but to change the article from a tasting note to a character interview. The chief editor agreed to this approach.
This was a stark reminder of Lu Weixun's past strictness with the magazine, where he had stated that a mistake, regardless of its size, was still a mistake, and that perfection was his standard, not merely a request. He had once told the magazine staff that any lapses in their articles indicated issues with both their attitude and capability, prompting him to reconsider their contract.
Meanwhile, Yi Beidao invited He Buzui for a meal, a gesture to thank her for her hard work at the bar. He Buzui, whose sense of taste had unfortunately disappeared again and possibly permanently, ordered wine from Muunas Winery. However, the server informed her that all wines from that estate had been removed from the shelves, citing Lu Weixun's scandal as the reason. He Buzui immediately checked her phone for news about him.
Yi Beidao observed that she still couldn't let go of Lu Weixun, but she clarified that she merely felt indebted to him because he had helped her pay off her debt, though Yi Beidao reminded her it was a fair transaction for her labor.
Nearby, two individuals gossiped loudly about Lu Weixun, claiming his reputation was ruined, his business collapsing, and that he had no friends willing to lend him money, now afraid to leave his home and possibly dying alone without anyone knowing. Enraged, He Buzui stood up, confronting them by declaring she was his friend, and promptly excused herself, telling Beidao she had to leave.
As she walked away, Yi Beidao recalled how he had, inadvertently, told a reporter about the information he overheard Mi Ya and Mu Chunfeng discussing, that Rose Winery was not Lu Weixun's first. He Buzui quickly enlisted Xia Fan to go to Lu Weixun's home, where he was reportedly holed up, drinking alone and refusing to see anyone. Despite their attempts to coax him out, Lu Weixun remained hidden.
He Buzui then sought out Brother De, demanding the two million she had previously paid him. Brother De refused to return the hard-won money, questioning her audacity. He Buzui pleaded, offering to work diligently and pay him back monthly with interest. Brother De, however, called her demand excessive and threatened to have his men physically remove her if she didn't leave. Undeterred, He Buzui declared she would get her money back even if it meant a fight, as she was physically restrained while desperately pleading for another chance.
Episode 12 Recap
He Buzui, trying to help Lu Weixun through his difficulties, sought out Brother De to reclaim two million yuan she had given him, but Brother De unceremoniously dismissed her. This scene was witnessed by a man He Buzui knew as Beidao, who asked if she truly had to go through with it. He Buzui replied that some things, if left undone, would leave her unsettled.
The man cryptically agreed, saying some things indeed must be done, or one would never feel at ease. Meanwhile, Mr. Ma informed Lu Weixun about the dire financial situation. Muunas Winery had a staggering seventy percent return rate this month, and some long-standing customers seemed intent on terminating their cooperation for the latter half of the year. Additionally, the newly brewed wine this year had generated no revenue, making it difficult to sustain the operation of Rose Winery.
Lu Weixun inquired how long, at worst, they could continue operating both wineries simultaneously. Mr. Ma estimated half a year. Lu Weixun promised to handle the financial matters. Mr. Ma also mentioned that a delegate from WSA would arrive in two weeks and asked if any preparations were needed. Lu Weixun stated there was no need, and everything should proceed as normal.
Lu Weixun took a sip of wine and discovered his sense of taste had vanished again, a sign that He Buzui’s taste had returned. A smile appeared on his face as he realized he could now go to her. The man He Buzui knew as Beidao brought her back to the bar. The bartender, Bai, mixed them two drinks before leaving for the night.
The man asked He Buzui if she liked Lu Weixun, to which she responded that she didn't know. He observed that she treated Lu Weixun differently, but He Buzui pointed out she had known him longer. He countered that affection has nothing to do with how long people have known each other. He then asked her to retrieve a bottle of vodka from the warehouse, intending to mix her a new wine.
As He Buzui walked away, his gaze turned dark, fixated on her as if she were prey about to fall into a trap. He silently reflected on his younger brother's unnatural death and how the person responsible was living a happy life, while his own brother's true affections were cast aside. He also recalled how their father had been unjustly framed and disappeared when they were small children.
Elsewhere, Mi Ya remembered a conversation with the man He Buzui knew as Beidao and searched online for past news about "twin brother revenge." She found a report about a younger brother assaulting the boss of his elder brother's workplace before being taken away by the police. She then muttered the names Yi Nanke, Yi Beidao, and He Buzui, before suddenly grasping a connection. She grabbed her bag and hastily left.
Lu Weixun drove to find He Buzui, calling her phone along the way, but received no answer. He then called Hao Yong, who told him He Buzui was working at the bar and wouldn't be back until late. At the bar, He Buzui was searching for vodka in the warehouse when the lights suddenly went out. She immediately crouched down, clutching her head in distress, pleading for the lights to be turned on.
The man He Buzui knew as Beidao walked in and closed the door. He Buzui asked who was there, and he simply replied, "Me." She cried out for her senior, asking why the lights were off. He coldly stated he was not her senior. He Buzui, now terrified, tearfully begged him to turn on the lights, retreating backward while repeatedly asking who he was and what he wanted.
The man approached her, roughly pulled her up, and choked her by the neck. As He Buzui weakly called out Yi Beidao's name, the man's grip faltered. He remembered a promise he had made to his elder brother not to hurt her, and Mi Ya's words that perhaps his brother wouldn't want him to live a life burdened by hatred. Releasing his hold, He Buzui collapsed to the floor.
At that moment, Lu Weixun arrived, kicked open the door, and upon seeing the scene, became enraged. He rushed forward, punched the man, then picked up He Buzui and walked out. Mi Ya arrived at the bar by taxi and asked the man if he was alright. He confessed he was useless and couldn't go through with it.
Mi Ya then revealed his true identity, stating that the one who died suddenly from overwork was his elder brother and calling him by his real name, Yi Nanke. Yi Nanke then recounted his past to Mi Ya. He spoke of a once happy home with his father, mother, and elder brother, where happiness was taking rides on the merry-go-round and receiving secret candies from his dad.
This happiness shattered when his father disappeared, widely rumored to have absconded with funds, though police found no evidence. A few days later, He Wangyou visited, informing his mother that his father would never return. His mother, distraught, rejected He Wangyou's money, crying for her husband to be returned and accusing He Wangyou of being a murderer.
As their family faced increasing hardship, he and his elder brother, Yi Beidao, took turns attending school, even adopting the same haircut to maintain the deception. Yi Nanke, being left-handed, learned to write with his right hand to avoid suspicion. He gradually became more like Yi Beidao, often being called by his brother's name, sometimes even by his mother. It was during this time that He Buzui appeared at school.
As the daughter of his enemy, Yi Nanke instantly disliked her. He was the one who spread rumors that He Buzui's father's winery had caused deaths. While He Buzui was bullied by other students, Yi Nanke would secretly observe, finding amusement in her plight. However, his brother, Yi Beidao, intervened and rescued her, even draping his coat over her. This led to a fierce argument between the brothers.
Yi Beidao insisted that He Buzui should not be blamed for her father's actions, and that she had already suffered. He promised Yi Nanke he would no longer help her but made Yi Nanke promise not to bully her either. Mi Ya suggested that it was actually Yi Beidao who loved He Buzui.
Yi Nanke confirmed that after that incident, his brother began to avoid He Buzui, and Yi Nanke himself stopped bullying her, as she was already ostracized by the whole school. He bitterly stated that He Buzui became his brother's doom. Yi Beidao worked tirelessly, not only to save money for Yi Nanke's tuition and their mother's living expenses but also to fund He Buzui's taste treatment. He even planned to confess his feelings to her on her birthday.
However, the excessive labor cost Yi Beidao his life. Yi Nanke, overwhelmed by grief, felt that he, Yi Nanke, should have been the one to die. From that day on, he lived under the identity of Yi Beidao. Yet, he believed he could never truly become Yi Beidao, seeing themselves as two sides of a coin: Yi Beidao was the light, while he was the darkness. Mi Ya assured Yi Nanke that both he and his brother were good people.
She pointed out that he had indeed let He Buzui go. Mi Ya stated he was merely lost, unsure what to do besides seek revenge. She questioned if such an unforgiving vendetta was worth sacrificing the rest of his life. Yi Nanke retorted, asking what right she had to dictate his life. Mi Ya stood up, declaring that she would stop interfering and urged him to think carefully before leaving.
By the riverside, He Buzui was distraught, unable to comprehend why the senior who once bravely saved her from ruffians seven years ago now wanted to kill her. Lu Weixun handed her a warm drink, asking if she was alright and if she was hurt. He Buzui shook her head, tearfully stating it was too late and she needed to go home, or her father would worry.
Lu Weixun gently wiped her tears with a tissue, suggesting her father would worry even more if she went home in her current state. He thanked her for trying to borrow money from Brother De for him. Lu Weixun then called He Buzui's father, fabricating a story that He Buzui was working late and would stay at the company for the night. Lu Weixun brought He Buzui back to his home. Traumatized, He Buzui slept restlessly.
Lu Weixun stayed by her bedside, watching over her. The next morning, he busied himself frying eggs and toasting bread. He quietly entered He Buzui's room, but accidentally made a sound while placing the plate on her nightstand. He Buzui opened her eyes and remarked that he was doing a good deed but acting like a thief. Lu Weixun jokingly retorted that her sleeping posture was simply too ugly to bear looking at.
He Buzui acknowledged she might be ugly, but Lu Weixun quickly asserted that no one, not even herself, could call her ugly except for him. He Buzui glanced at the food and thanked him for the "love breakfast," though she claimed not to be hungry. Lu Weixun immediately denied making it for her, explaining he couldn't eat it himself and didn't want to waste it.
He Buzui said she knew he wouldn't specially cook for her, to which Lu Weixun hastily interjected, saying he had indeed cooked it specially for her. Hearing his contradictory statements, He Buzui understood his genuine care. She got up, finished the entire breakfast, and took the empty plate downstairs. She told Lu Weixun the breakfast was delicious. Lu Weixun, pleased, told her to rest well at home as he had to go out.
Episode 13 Recap
One morning, He Buzui finished the loving breakfast Lu Weixun made for her, telling him it was delicious, which made him happy. He put on his coat and told her he was going out, instructing her to rest at home as she was off for the day. He Buzui insisted she didn't need a day off, but Lu Weixun urged her to listen and rest.
Meanwhile, Brother De confronted Mi Ya’s younger brother about a debt, demanding to know when he would pay it back. Mi Ya’s brother pleaded for more time, first a month, then half a month, finally promising to pay in a week. Brother De’s men held him, but Brother De eventually told them to release him, offering him tea. Soon after, Hao Yong arrived and informed Mi Ya that an investigator from WSA Headquarters was coming.
Mi Ya asked if the investigator was named Bai Jing, and upon confirmation, she understood the seriousness of the situation. Elsewhere, Patrick met with Jessie, discussing Lu Weixun's situation in China. Patrick expressed his trust in Lu Weixun and stated that the WSA board also trusted both of them, presenting documents from that morning as proof. Shortly after, WSA investigator Bai Jing met Lu Weixun. She cheerfully greeted him as 'fiancé,' but Lu Weixun repeatedly told her he was not.
Bai Jing teased him, asking if he missed her after such a long time apart. She then stated the purpose of her visit, and Lu Weixun assured her he would cooperate with the investigation. Worried about He Buzui being alone and upset, Lu Weixun asked Hao Yong to keep her company. Hao Yong, dressed as Iron Man, found He Buzui. Despite his attempts to cheer her up, she remained unhappy.
When he questioned why she was upset, it only made her more so. Lu Weixun returned home to find He Buzui crying, and Hao Yong explained she became like that when they talked about Yi Beidao. He Buzui tearfully confessed that Yi Beidao had changed so much she didn't recognize him, finding him scary and strange. She lamented that she was a "jinx" to both Lu Weixun and Yi Beidao, wishing she could disappear and feeling worthless.
Lu Weixun reassured her that he didn't think so, admitting he also wanted to escape. He asked if she would escape with him, and He Buzui said she wanted to go to the beach. Lu Weixun drove her there, and as they walked along the shore, he comically tasted the air, declaring the sea wind was indeed salty, which made her smile.
Looking at the vast ocean, He Buzui reflected on how Yi Beidao had helped her in her time of need and taught her strength. She felt that without him, she wouldn't be who she was, describing the current situation as a nightmare. Lu Weixun comforted her, saying nightmares always end, and just as she had once helped him stand, it was now her turn to rise again. Later, Hao Yong and Xia Fan were playing games.
Xia Fan, a streamer, introduced Hao Yong to his viewers, whom he called "fairies." After ending his stream, Xia Fan noticed a news article on his phone and became furious, exclaiming that Dr'Wine magazine had gone too far. Hao Yong looked at it and then called Lu Weixun, reporting that Weibo was "exploding" with news. Lu Weixun calmly responded that the WSA investigator was already looking into the matter and that he trusted they would handle it fairly.
He stressed that it was a team decision and individuals should not be harmed. Hao Yong expressed anger at the magazine for "throwing him under the bus," but Lu Weixun firmly stated it was his decision. Mi Ya went to see the Chief Editor, Mr. Mu, telling him she understood the company's decisions but found the compensation statement heartless.
Mr. Mu explained that he had no choice, as capital offered no leeway, and instructed her to get back to her work as Mu Chunfeng’s editor. At Muunas Winery, Bai Jing commented to Lu Weixun that he seemed to be facing a string of misfortunes. Lu Weixun replied that he never ran from trouble and was prepared for whatever came. Bai Jing then expressed a desire to see the "controversial" No. 92 vintage that had caused so much uproar.
Mr. Ma led her to its former storage area, explaining that per Lu Weixun's instruction, all bottles had been destroyed. Bai Jing observed the empty space, confirming that "not a single one was left." Lu Weixun confirmed, "All destroyed." Bai Jing remarked on the great cost of such an action, acknowledging that as a wine critic, Lu Weixun had truly stood by his word, protecting what was most important to him.
She then meaningfully expressed hope that he would act similarly in "certain other matters," before moving on to view other wines in the winery. Later that evening, rain began to fall. Mi Ya was hurrying home with an umbrella when her younger brother met her at her apartment building entrance, begging her to save him. He desperately asked for 100,000 yuan, explaining that loan sharks would kill him if he didn't pay.
Mi Ya, angered, demanded to know why he borrowed from loan sharks. He stammered that it was for "business," but Mi Ya pressed him, asking if he had gambled again. He denied it at first but then admitted he thought he could win it all back in one go but lost everything. Mi Ya declared she couldn't help him and told him to go to their mother before going inside.
Back at WSA, Bai Jing informed Lu Weixun that after auditing all the winery's accounts, she was delivering WSA's final verdict. She stated that due to his dual role as a wine critic and Muunas Winery owner, which severely impacted public trust and damaged the industry's image and moral standards, WSA was permanently expelling him and would not re-employ him. Lu Weixun accepted the outcome.
Bai Jing continued, however, that investigations also showed he did not use his position as a wine critic to gain financial benefits for his private winery. While his actions violated principles, he upheld ethical standards. Therefore, WSA would not recognize Dr'Wine's economic lawsuit and would allow his wines to enter the European market. Lu Weixun expressed his gratitude, to which Bai Jing replied it was a collective decision by the WSA board and she was merely doing her job.
She then inquired if he knew about the "Wine Consultant" public account, mentioning that it had published many articles about him that were professional, objective, and incisive, and that those articles had greatly aided their investigation. She implied he should be most grateful to her. With the investigation concluded, Bai Jing playfully linked arms with Lu Weixun, declaring she was hungry and wanted him to cook her favorite hairy crabs.
Lu Weixun gently pushed her arm away, suggesting she go to one of the many crab restaurants in Binhai, offering to have Mr. Ma take her. Bai Jing pouted, asking if she was now "useless" to him. Lu Weixun denied it, but Bai Jing insisted he go home and cook for her. Unable to refuse her, Lu Weixun bought crabs and took her home.
He Buzui emerged to greet Lu Weixun as he entered, only to see Bai Jing by his side. Bai Jing's eyes widened, and she immediately demanded to know who He Buzui was. He Buzui introduced herself as He Buzui, Lu Weixun's assistant, adding quickly that she was on duty. Lu Weixun then introduced Bai Jing as the WSA investigator. Bai Jing quickly latched onto Lu Weixun's arm, stating she was also his childhood fiancée.
Lu Weixun told her to stop, but Bai Jing insisted it was true. He Buzui quickly took the crabs from Lu Weixun's hands, saying she would go prepare them, and Bai Jing announced she would join her. In the kitchen, as they untied the crabs, He Buzui offered Bai Jing a small one to try handling. Bai Jing grimaced, finding the wiggling crab terrifying, and dropped it on the floor.
He Buzui quickly picked it up and put it in the pot. Hearing the commotion, Lu Weixun rushed in and carefully examined He Buzui's hand, asking if she was hurt. Bai Jing, clearly jealous, dramatically extended her own finger, claiming her hand was hurt and asking Lu Weixun to blow on it. Lu Weixun told both of them to leave the kitchen and let him cook. Later, the hairy crabs were ready.
At the dinner table, Bai Jing began testing He Buzui's knowledge of wine, but He Buzui answered every question flawlessly. Bai Jing declared she wanted red wine, but He Buzui suggested Shaoxing Rice wine for crabs, explaining that red wine could cause an upset stomach, harming her body and wasting the effort. Bai Jing was incensed, calling Shaoxing Rice wine "cheesy."
Lu Weixun, who had been watching their argument with amusement, offered Bai Jing some of the warmed Shaoxing Rice wine to try. She tasted it and admitted it was "not bad." After dinner, Mr. Mu called Mi Ya into his office, erupting in a furious scolding.
He had seen news from a competitor accusing her of being a hypocritical editor at Dr'Wine, who used her private public account, "Wine Consultant," to publicly comment on the magazine's signed wine critic, Lu Weixun. Mi Ya confirmed she operated "Wine Consultant" and had written articles about Lu Weixun, but argued she did so as an ordinary netizen, objectively and without bias, and therefore saw no fault in her actions.
Mr. Mu expressed his disappointment, saying her actions were irresponsible to herself and the company. He pressed her to delete the account and return to work, stating that if she quit, it would affect everyone. Mi Ya apologized for any losses her public account caused and offered to resign, but Mr. Mu encouraged her to stay, suggesting she valued her personal interest in the public account more than her job.
Mi Ya conceded that her hobby had caused professional damage and she needed to take responsibility, even if it was regrettable. Meanwhile, Brother De again confronted Mi Ya’s younger brother, demanding his 100,000 yuan debt. He gave him one more day, threatening that if the money wasn't paid, he would make Mi Ya "work" in his casino for a night to settle the debt, regardless of any future payments.
Mi Ya’s brother, desperate, tried to dissuade him by saying he knew his sister's "brother-in-law" (Lu Weixun) who was rich and a "gangster," but Brother De was unimpressed, reiterating his threat.
Episode 14 Recap
Mi Ya receives a frantic call from Xiao Bai about Yi Beidao being missing and the bar closing, with rumors circulating that he took the money and fled. Mi Ya staunchly defends him, insisting he wouldn’t do such a thing. She learns from Xiao Bai that Yi Beidao had been staying at the bar, rarely leaving, and recently played old songs as if reminiscing. Mi Ya finds Yi Nanke, Yi Beidao’s twin brother, drinking alone.
He offers her a bottle of wine, which she sips. Yi Nanke expresses surprise she found him, having believed she would never see him again. Mi Ya admits she also thought the same, then thanks him, finding some relief in his presence. Her phone pings, and a message brings a bitter smile to her face. Yi Nanke asks about her mood.
Mi Ya explains that Lu Weixun’s credibility as a wine critic was questioned, leading to all his information being unearthed, including her private articles about him. Her magazine suffered, losing compensation, and her chief editor, furious, forced her to delete everything, making her feel years of effort were wasted. Yi Nanke apologizes, admitting he was the one who revealed Lu Weixun’s double identity to reporters. Mi Ya reveals she had already suspected as much.
When Yi Nanke mentions that public speculation focused on Mu Chunfeng, Mi Ya points out that Mu Chunfeng had known for a long time and would have exposed it sooner if he intended to, especially since they discussed it at Yi Nanke’s bar. Mi Ya insists that she doesn't blame him and that she's merely facing the consequences of her own actions, though she disagrees with his obsession with revenge.
Yi Nanke, however, asserts that he doesn't need anyone's approval for his path. Mi Ya urges him to speak openly with He Buzui, but Yi Nanke dismisses the idea, stating he can't let go of the past and only wants a definitive outcome, questioning if that is wrong. Mi Ya tells him that while wanting a result isn't wrong, he must protect himself.
Later, as Yi Nanke returns home, he is intercepted by Mi Ya’s younger brother, who desperately seeks his help. The brother reveals he owes money to loan sharks, and if he can't pay, they intend to seize Mi Ya as collateral. Mi Ya’s brother confesses that she is unaware of the danger, and they plan to take her today. Yi Nanke immediately instructs him to lead the way to the loan sharks.
At the loan shark's den, Brother De, the leader, questions Yi Nanke’s presence. Yi Nanke states he has no money, prompting Brother De to mock him. Yi Nanke calmly questions how the debt was incurred, discovering it was a gambling debt from Brother De’s casino. He then challenges Brother De for intending to take Mi Ya as collateral.
When Brother De’s men attempt to remove him, Yi Nanke swiftly disarms them with a few quick moves using a bottle of wine, effortlessly subduing Brother De’s enforcers. Impressed, Brother De acknowledges Yi Nanke’s fighting prowess. Yi Nanke demands the IOU, which Brother De reluctantly produces. Outside, Mi Ya's brother praises Yi Nanke's skill.
Yi Nanke takes the IOU, telling the brother that he now owes him, and sternly warns him to seek him out for any future problems, not his sister. Mi Ya meets He Buzui at a cafe, stating directly that their meeting concerns Yi Beidao. She reveals that the person He Buzui has recently reconnected with is not the real Yi Beidao, but his twin brother, Yi Nanke. He Buzui is shocked, never having heard of a twin.
Mi Ya explains that during high school, they shared a single identity because their father disappeared, leaving the family unable to support two brothers. Yi Nanke, Mi Ya adds, blamed He Buzui's father for everything. This revelation stirs a memory in He Buzui, who connects it to her father's missing deputy manager, a man named Yi. She realizes she might have encountered two different people back then.
He Buzui then tearfully asks about Yi Beidao, her "xuezhang," inquiring about his whereabouts. Mi Ya solemnly informs her that he passed away seven years ago. He Buzui is devastated, questioning what truly happened. Mi Ya urges He Buzui to speak with Yi Nanke, emphasizing that both of them were Yi Beidao’s most cherished people, and he would not want to see them in such distress.
He Buzui, crying, expresses her despair, believing Yi Nanke hates her and wishes she would disappear, feeling utterly helpless. As she rises to leave, Mi Ya insists that she at least deserves to know the full truth of what transpired. Back home, He Buzui, looking dejected, is comforted by her father, who offers her food and reassures her. She asks him about an old photo in their living room, identifying the man next to her father as "Uncle Yi."
Her father fondly praises "Uncle Yi" as a very capable man who greatly assisted him. When He Buzui asks where he is now, her father explains that he went to brew "Pear Blossom" wine, but both the wine formula and Uncle Yi disappeared, leading him to label it "a cursed wine." He Buzui speculates if the loss of the formula caused him to close the winery, but her father asserts that no wine is more important than people.
Later, their neighbor, Mr. Cui, visits, explaining he had to reschedule their basketball game because he plans to fly a Kongming lantern with his daughter during the total lunar eclipse the following night, mentioning that wishes made during a lunar eclipse are said to come true. Meanwhile, Lu Weixun arrives at Brother De’s establishment to settle He Buzui’s debt. Brother De expresses surprise that Lu Weixun, currently facing his own difficulties, would still pay for her, praising his character.
Brother De also reveals that He Buzui had previously stormed in, demanding her money back and even trying to fight him, but he simply drove her out, denying he would hurt a young girl. Upon returning home, Lu Weixun finds He Buzui engrossed in news about the upcoming lunar eclipse. He gently leads her to the riverside, presenting a Kongming lantern he claims a fan insisted he take.
He Buzui remarks on the superstition that lunar eclipse wishes come true, expressing skepticism. Lu Weixun suggests they try making a wish anyway but realizes he forgot his lighter. He Buzui volunteers to buy one, but then decides on matches, believing it would be a more sincere gesture for wishing. At a nearby old shop, the owner searches for matches and accidentally reveals an old photo.
He Buzui spots it and asks about the young man in the picture, identified by the owner simply as "Yi." The owner explains that "Yi" was a good employee who worked for him years ago but suddenly disappeared. He asks He Buzui if she knows him and how he's doing. He Buzui states she no longer has contact but believes "he’s living a happy life," which brings a smile to the owner’s face.
He shares that "Yi's" family was poor and he had a younger brother who was "quite a handful," which concerned "Yi." The owner then gives He Buzui the matches as a gift, telling her to let go of the past. He Buzui returns to Lu Weixun, apologizing for her delay, explaining she ran into an old acquaintance. As she sips her coffee, she exclaims about its bitterness. Lu Weixun immediately states, "Your palate is back!"
He then reveals that his own sense of taste disappeared the day he saved her. He Buzui is surprised she didn't notice her recovery, to which Lu Weixun explains that depression can dull one's taste buds. She apologizes for his suffering, but he assures her he is accustomed to it.
They light the Kongming lantern together and release it into the night sky, with He Buzui calling out a wish for them to quickly find a way to recover their sense of taste. Later, sitting on the sofa at home, He Buzui tentatively asks Lu Weixun if they should continue trying to recover their taste. Lu Weixun asserts that without trying, they won't find the truth, and all their previous efforts would be in vain.
He suggests trying something different, slowly leaning in and kissing her. For a moment, time seems to stand still. When Lu Weixun pulls away, He Buzui blushes with a shy smile. Lu Weixun speculates that they must have consumed specific wines the night before his competition against Mu Chunfeng, which affected their taste.
He recalls that the taste exchange back then, around 10:30 PM on the 23rd, persisted for a long time, until about 11:00 PM on the 27th, at Yi Beidao’s bar. He remembers a doctor once explaining that taste loss could be due to a lack of certain elements or psychological factors, a condition known as hysterical ageusia. He deduces that special wines consumed during that interval must have affected his palate.
They then begin meticulously testing various wines to identify the culprit. Meanwhile, across the street, Mu Chunfeng observes Lu Weixun and He Buzui through binoculars. Still resentful from his previous defeat, he is determined to understand the secret behind Lu Weixun's rapid improvement. His landlord informs him that someone has offered double the rent for his apartment. Mu Chunfeng insists on meeting this person.
The prospective tenant turns out to be Bai Jing, who brazenly declares her intention to rent the apartment to prevent an "evil woman" from stealing her fiancé. Mu Chunfeng, realizing her fiancé is his rival, Lu Weixun, also declares his need for the apartment to observe him.
After some heated discussion, where Bai Jing dismisses Mu Chunfeng as a loser and he suggests the "evil woman" is the source of Lu Weixun's strength, they agree to share the apartment as co-tenants, each for their own observation purposes. He Buzui continues her wine testing, confirming that her taste buds are still functioning. She suggests asking Yi Nanke to prepare the two specific wines she drank the night before the Mu Chunfeng competition. However, Lu Weixun immediately and firmly rejects the idea, forbidding both himself and He Buzui from approaching Yi Nanke.
Episode 15 Recap
He Buzui and Lu Weixun had exhausted many attempts to restore their palates. He Buzui revealed their final option was for her to ask Yi Beidao to prepare two specific drinks. Lu Weixun immediately objected, stating that if he wouldn't go, neither could she. When asked why, Lu Weixun firmly declared he would rather never regain his palate than let her face such a risk.
He Buzui then corrected him, explaining that the man they had encountered was not Yi Beidao, who had already passed away, but rather his twin brother, Yi Nanke. This revelation surprised Lu Weixun. He Buzui further explained that Yi Nanke held her family responsible for the deaths of both his brother and father. This only strengthened Lu Weixun's resolve, arguing that someone like Yi Nanke might act unpredictably, making it too dangerous for her to go.
He Buzui countered that they must eventually confront these issues to restore their palates, but Lu Weixun remained unyielding. Despite his protests, He Buzui was determined, emphasizing that for both their sakes and the recovery of their palates, she must go. Acknowledging her unwavering resolve, Lu Weixun agreed they would need to approach the situation with cunning. As unwelcome guests to Yi Nanke, they needed to find someone Yi Nanke would cooperate with.
Just then, Lu Weixun received a phone call from Mr. Ma. Meanwhile, Bai Jing, who had been secretly observing them through binoculars, overheard that Lu Weixun planned to take He Buzui to Rose Winery the following day for a new wine tasting. She questioned Mu Chunfeng about his attendance, but he dismissed the idea, believing such basic work wouldn't reveal the secret to Lu Weixun's palate improvement. Bai Jing declared that if he wouldn't go, she certainly would.
The next day at Rose Winery, Lu Weixun was surprised to find Bai Jing already there. He questioned why she hadn't returned to France. Bai Jing casually explained she had unfinished business delaying her departure for a few days, then provocatively addressed Lu Weixun as her fiancé. Annoyed, Lu Weixun warned her that if she persisted, he would personally ask her dad to bring her back to France. Bai Jing, undeterred, declared her intention to taste the newly brewed wine.
When Lu Weixun inquired about her impression, she confidently asserted her professional expertise, then subtly challenged He Buzui's abilities, asking Mr. Ma to bring the wine for the assistant. After taking a careful sip, He Buzui noted no change in her taste perception from the previous one. She then tasted a second drink and identified notes of white birch, a spring-like essence, and sweet strawberry.
She then went on to describe a vivid scene that came to mind: a family picnicking by a shallow stream, with strawberry bushes nearby. A woman in denim overalls spread a picnic cloth, while a barefoot man in a white shirt played with his young son. The woman held a label-less bottle of sparkling rose wine, seemingly sourced from the stream.
She also noted the father and son were covered in grass seeds and white flowers, questioning why such images appeared with the taste. Bai Jing dismissed He Buzui's detailed perception as "newbie" tasting. She then proceeded to advocate for a high price, arguing that the wine's quality, the Rose Winery's reputation, and its commemorative value as Lu Weixun's first publicly released wine warranted a price of $130 to $150.
He Buzui countered, suggesting a maximum of 200 RMB, asserting that while the wine was pleasant, it was still just a bottle of wine. She argued that such an exorbitant price would make it inaccessible to ordinary people, contradicting the very purpose of a winery. Lu Weixun unexpectedly sided with He Buzui, causing Bai Jing to express her frustration vehemently about Lu Weixun trusting He Buzui over her professional advice, before storming off.
Afterward, He Buzui directly asked Lu Weixun if he and Bai Jing were truly engaged, to which he firmly replied that there was no such agreement and that Bai Jing had simply misunderstood. Later, He Buzui informed Lu Weixun that she had identified the ideal person to persuade Yi Nanke to cooperate: Mi Ya, the very individual who had originally revealed Yi Nanke's story to her.
She reasoned that Yi Nanke must have deeply trusted Mi Ya to confide in her. Subsequently, they arranged a meeting with Mi Ya, where He Buzui requested her to visit Yi Nanke's bar and order two specific cocktails: a Margarita and a Bloody Mary. When Mi Ya inquired about the reason, He Buzui explained it was a long story, but assured her it was crucial to their investigation and would not cause any harm to Yi Nanke.
Confident in their intentions, Mi Ya agreed to help. That evening, Mi Ya arrived at Yi Nanke's bar and ordered a Bloody Mary and a Margarita. After Yi Nanke prepared and served the drinks, they began to chat. Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of He Buzui and Lu Weixun. Upon seeing them, Yi Nanke's demeanor turned cold as he declared they were unwelcome.
Lu Weixun quickly clarified that they were only there to drink, not to incite conflict or seek revenge, while He Buzui urged Yi Nanke not to misunderstand their presence. Mi Ya offered a drink to He Buzui, who took a sip. Yi Nanke, confused, questioned Mi Ya's intentions, but Mi Ya urged him to remain calm and hear them out. He Buzui then tasted a second drink and commented to Lu Weixun that its base wine seemed incorrect.
Enraged, Yi Nanke stood up and demanded they leave his bar, accusing He Buzui of deliberately causing trouble. He Buzui quickly apologized, explaining they merely wished to conduct an experiment using his wine, reiterating her previous claim that her palate had recovered, possibly due to that specific base wine. Yi Nanke scoffed at the idea, stating he didn't believe in miracles and found it ridiculous that she sought one in his bar.
Lu Weixun interjected, demanding to know the identity of the base wine, but Yi Nanke turned away, refusing to answer. At that moment, Mi Ya called out his true name, Yi Nanke. He turned, confirming she had indeed revealed his identity. Mi Ya explained her intention was for them to reconcile their differences and jointly uncover the truth of the past. However, Yi Nanke felt betrayed, despite Mi Ya insisting she was trying to help him.
He accused He Buzui of feigning ignorance, pointing out her inability to recognize the wine. He Buzui, genuinely perplexed, insisted she truly didn't know. Yi Nanke then disclosed that the base wine was Pear Blossom, the very liquor that had brought fame to the He family's distillery but also caused his father's disappearance—a taste he could never forget. He questioned how He Buzui, presumably from the He family, failed to recognize her own family's wine.
Lu Weixun inquired if any of the liquor remained, to which Yi Nanke bitterly replied that the last sip had been given to a dog on the anniversary of his brother's death. As they left the bar, He Buzui expressed her gratitude to Mi Ya and requested her discretion regarding their unusual taste conditions. However, before she could elaborate, Lu Weixun abruptly pulled her away. By the river, He Buzui questioned why he had prevented her from finishing her conversation.
Lu Weixun retorted, asking why an explanation was even necessary. He Buzui worried that their close proximity might have led others to misunderstand their relationship, specifically thinking they were a couple. Lu Weixun, visibly irritated, challenged her concern, asking what was wrong with such a misunderstanding and why she was so keen on clarifying their status. He demanded to know why she was so eager to distance herself from him.
He Buzui, taken aback by his anger, explained she was merely considering his reputation, especially given his recent expulsion and the winery's struggling business; she feared that rumors about their "palate recovery project" could escalate into a scandal. Lu Weixun, to her surprise, declared he didn't mind if rumors spread. Seeing her astonished face, he simply stated he would explain himself if he wished, and wouldn't if he didn't.
He Buzui confessed she found him increasingly difficult to understand, to which Lu Weixun responded cryptically, suggesting he was profound and unfathomable. Lu Weixun then urged He Buzui to reflect on the Pear Blossom situation, expressing his surprise that he had never heard her mention her family's connection to wine. He Buzui explained that her father once owned a distillery, and his Pear Blossom liquor was incredibly popular.
She speculated that it might contain an element beneficial for health, recalling that doctors had mentioned certain elements could aid in taste bud recovery. When Lu Weixun asked if her father could still produce it, He Buzui seemed doubtful, noting that Pear Blossom had been a source of deep sorrow for him for many years. However, looking at Lu Weixun's contemplative expression, she smiled, suggesting they wouldn't know without trying.
The following day, she and Lu Weixun visited her father, with Lu Weixun presenting him with a gift of high-quality Maojian tea. Seizing the opportunity, He Buzui suggested they reciprocate with their family's renowned Pear Blossom. Her father's demeanor immediately shifted, and he vehemently refused, declaring the liquor "cursed" and repeatedly insisting that no such liquor existed, even calling Lu Weixun "evil" for trying to trick his daughter.
Episode 16 Recap
On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, Buzui poured some wine for her father, and they cheerfully clinked glasses, wishing each other a Happy Mid-Autumn Festival. Buzui asked her father how her sense of taste had suddenly returned. Her father explained that it naturally recovered once her illness was cured. Buzui pointed out that her illness had been treated for over ten years, so it was surprising that it improved so suddenly.
Her father, however, believed it was simply a sign of her good fortune. Buzui then revealed that her taste had only returned after she drank Pear Blossom wine. Her father was taken aback, calling it impossible. Buzui clarified that after consuming Pear Blossom, her body was supplemented with a certain lacking element, which restored her taste. She asserted that Pear Blossom was not an ominous wine but, for her, a wine of fortune.
Upon hearing this, her father became even more adamant that they should not brew the wine. He worried about its potential effects on others and the possibility of it causing harm. Buzui then explained that the taste she now possessed belonged to her friend. Since his taste loss had thrown his work and life into disarray, she, despite her reluctance to give it up, did not want to inconvenience her good friend.
She believed her mother would have supported her decision. Her father, looking at her, playfully called her a naughty girl and forbade her from using her mother to pressure him in the future. Later, Buzui, holding a mooncake, found Lu Weixun waiting by his car outside. She happily informed him that her father had agreed. Leading him inside, they listened as her father explained that brewing the wine at home, without the proper factory conditions, would take about a year.
Both Lu Weixun and Buzui’s eyes widened in surprise at the news. Sitting back-to-back in the yard, Lu Weixun expressed his disappointment, noting that Rose Winery’s new wine pricing could not wait for a year. He wondered if this was fate or God’s way of making him give up. Buzui, however, challenged his defeatist attitude, stating that the Lu Weixun she knew wouldn't resign himself to fate. She added that it wasn't the worst situation yet.
If Pear Blossom was truly part of the taste recovery operation, she must have drunk it before their first taste change, and a significant amount. A thought then struck her, and she excitedly stood up, suggesting there might be another way. Buzui sought Xia Fan's help to locate a man she had a drinking contest with at Thrush Bar, who was known as Mr. Lin.
Xia Fan, a prominent internet personality, launched a live stream broadcast seeking information, leveraging the power of netizens. He dramatically offered rewards for Mr. Lin's contact information. Eventually, Mr. Lin was found. When Buzui met him, Mr. Lin expressed surprise at her knowledge of tea, despite her reputation as an unparalleled master in the wine community. Buzui then inquired if he still had the nine jars of fine wine from their previous contest.
Mr. Lin replied that she had consumed every drop, leaving nothing behind, and that the wine was hard to acquire. Buzui concurred, mentioning it had ceased production twenty years ago and was likely only available from wine enthusiasts. To her surprise, Mr. Lin countered, stating that the nine jars she drank were the oldest in his possession, dating back only five years. Buzui eagerly asked where he obtained it.
Mr. Lin explained that the wine did not circulate on the market but was exclusively traded within a private circle, and his supply was a gift from a friend. Buzui acknowledged that she understood the unwritten rule in the wine community: "drink wine, don't ask its origin." Following this, Buzui and Lu Weixun visited Yi Nanke. Buzui asked if he had kept the jar that once held Pear Blossom.
Yi Nanke curtly stated that they were not welcome and that he had no interest in their taste-exchange game. Lu Weixun insisted that Yi Nanke cooperate if he truly desired to uncover the truth about Pear Blossom. Yi Nanke then retrieved the jar. Buzui opened the lid and sniffed the contents, identifying it as the same wine she had drunk during her drinking contest.
She noted that, apart from the aging time, its scent was identical to the Pear Blossom stored at Yi Nanke's residence. However, she emphasized that while Yi Nanke's Pear Blossom was brewed twenty years ago, the wine in the jar was a new brew from within the last five years. Yi Nanke deduced that this meant someone had been brewing Pear Blossom within the last five years. Buzui pointed out that her father had closed his winery twenty years ago.
Yi Nanke added that his father was framed for stealing the wine formula around the same time. Buzui asserted that her father had never brewed Pear Blossom since then, and Yi Nanke mentioned that his father had been missing without a trace. Lu Weixun concluded that since new Pear Blossom had appeared on the market, the person possessing the formula was either Yi Nanke's father or the murderer.
Yi Nanke then picked up the jar and examined it closely, discovering four characters etched on the bottom: Pear Blossom Village. Back at home, Buzui and Lu Weixun began packing their belongings. As Buzui organized clothes, she asked Lu Weixun, who was researching on his laptop, about the location of Pear Blossom Village. He informed her it was in Zhao County, Lingnan. Buzui noted that it was quite far and would require them to stay for several days.
Unbeknownst to them, Mu Chunfeng, observing them with binoculars, saw the words "Zhao County" and excitedly informed Bai Jing that they might be heading there. Bai Jing furiously recounted how Lu Weixun had refused to accompany her to France but was now going to a strange place for another woman, questioning his motives. Mu Chunfeng calmly suggested they go there to find out. Bai Jing grudgingly admitted his usefulness. Meanwhile, Buzui worried if Lu Weixun had enough clothes.
He assured her he did, playfully chiding her for overthinking. Buzui, feigning concern, said she just didn't want the young master to catch a cold. Lu Weixun, smiling, told her she would have to take care of him if he did, making Buzui blush and smile sweetly. That evening, Mu Chunfeng joined his magazine staff for a celebratory dinner, as their monthly magazine had hit deadlines for the first time in five years and exceeded sales records.
During the dinner, the Chief Editor proposed a team-building trip, noting it had been a long time since their last one. Mu Chunfeng suggested Zhao County in Lingnan, mentioning its vast pear orchards and spectacular harvest scenery. The Chief Editor readily agreed to the destination and planned to depart that week. The next day, Lu Weixun drove Buzui, Hao Yong, and Yi Nanke towards Zhao County.
Along the way, Buzui noticed a taxi persistently following them and alerted Lu Weixun, who simply told her to ignore it. They were unaware that Bai Jing was inside the taxi, instructing the driver to chase them as she lamented her "fiancé" Lu Weixun being "bewitched" by Buzui. Upon reaching their destination, Lu Weixun was surprised to encounter Mi Ya and Mu Chunfeng, who explained they were there for their team-building trip.
Wan Zeze, the owner of the inn, called "Xin Su," welcomed them. Lu Weixun then inquired if the inn produced porcelain, presenting the Pear Blossom wine jar. Wan Zeze confirmed he crafted the jar but not the wine inside, explaining he was merely commissioned by a wine merchant. When asked about the merchant's whereabouts, Wan Zeze stated they were not present but nearby, enjoying a holiday for the ongoing Pear Blossom Festival.
Buzui asked for the address, but Wan Zeze mentioned the winery's strict management prevented outsiders from entering. He offered to personally take them after the festival concluded, as his own stock had run out and he also needed to restock. Later, Buzui informed Lu Weixun that Wan Zeze's father, Wan Ran, had previously worked at her father's winery.
Buzui also recounted that she had heard in childhood that Wan Zeze was sickly, and his father, Wan Ran, had saved money to take him abroad for surgery while he was young, protecting him carefully. Lu Weixun found Wan Zeze to be highly suspicious.
While Lu Weixun and Buzui discussed their suspicions, Wan Zeze was overheard on the phone, telling someone that four individuals interested in Pear Blossom were seeking information and that he had promised to take them to the brewer in two days. Buzui, hearing this, immediately pointed out Wan Zeze's suspicious behavior. Lu Weixun advised caution, suggesting they find a way to test Wan Zeze without alerting him, to understand his character.
Yi Nanke proposed playing cards, believing one's true character is revealed through their card-playing style, which Lu Weixun deemed a feasible plan. When later directly asked about the brewer, Wan Zeze only revealed that the person was an uncle surnamed Yang.
Episode 17 Recap
Lu Weixun and He Buzui were with their friends when Mr. Wan arrived, bringing the cards they had requested. Yi Nanke, noting they were short a player, invited Mr. Wan to join them for a game of Werewolf. After some initial hesitation, Mr. Wan agreed. Mu Chunfeng and Mi Ya also decided to play. During the game, players declared their roles, including an Ordinary Townsfolk, a Werewolf, a Hunter, a Witch, and a God.
Two players claimed to be Fortune Tellers, leading to confusion. One Fortune Teller claimed to have investigated Lu Weixun and found him guilty. In the first round, Yi Nanke was eliminated. In the second round, He Buzui was eliminated, leading to the Werewolves' victory. Frustrated by the game’s outcome and the perceived illogical play of others, He Buzui complained about being framed and how a player, referring to Mu Chunfeng, had misled them.
Bai Jing, observing He Buzui’s reaction, called her "sick" and told Lu Weixun to ignore her. Lu Weixun, however, told Bai Jing to stay out of his business and followed He Buzui, who had left the game. With too few players remaining, the game disbanded. Lu Weixun found He Buzui sitting on a swing, clearly upset about losing. She expressed her frustration, calling the defeat humiliating. Lu Weixun told her she was being too emotional.
He Buzui countered that he had tricked her. He then playfully promised to let her win the next round and extended his hand. He Buzui remained wary, stating that she knew their sudden decision to play cards wasn't merely out of boredom. Lu Weixun replied that since she already knew, there was nothing to be angry about. He Buzui then confronted him, demanding to know why they hadn't told her about their plan to test Wan Zeze.
Lu Weixun, calling her a "smarty," admitted she had guessed correctly even without being told. He then promised he would never keep anything from her again. Reassured, He Buzui smiled, pulled Lu Weixun's hand, and jumped off the swing, but landed awkwardly and cried out in pain, having sprained her ankle. He Buzui playfully blamed Lu Weixun for her fall, claiming she wouldn't have slipped if he hadn't pulled her. Lu Weixun quickly scooped her into his arms.
Embarrassed and protesting that she could walk herself, He Buzui struggled, causing him to accidentally loosen his grip and drop her again. She playfully scolded him for lacking principle. Lu Weixun, amused by her spirited reaction despite her injury, remarked he'd never seen anyone so lively with a sprained ankle. He picked her up once more, ignoring her pleas to be put down due to the many onlookers. He swiftly carried her into the house.
Hao Yong quickly approached, asking what was wrong. He Buzui downplayed it, saying she just twisted her ankle. Upon seeing this, Bai Jing sarcastically called He Buzui "fussy" and directly confronted her, accusing her of faking the injury to gain Lu Weixun’s attention and questioning if it was intentional. Afterward, Lu Weixun sought out Yi Nanke and Hao Yong, asking for their impressions of Wan Zeze from the card game.
Hao Yong commented that Wan Zeze's card skills were average and that he seemed easily swayed by others. Yi Nanke added that Wan Zeze was either genuinely naive or incredibly skilled at hiding his true intentions. Later, Yi Nanke asked Wan Zeze about their plans to find Pear Blossom the next day. Wan Zeze explained that it wouldn't be possible because the road down the hill was under construction, and there were no alternative routes accessible by car.
He also cited his own lack of stamina for the long walk down and mentioned his current preoccupation with designing a new wine set, promising to take them to the winery next time. Yi Nanke suggested they go themselves if Wan Zeze provided the address, but Wan Zeze insisted the winery was closed to visitors and would not allow them entry without him.
Yi Nanke later discussed the situation with others, noting Wan Zeze's busy schedule with the wine set design and the road construction, which would take at least three days. They began to suspect he might be deliberately stalling for time. That evening, Yi Nanke saw Mi Ya and Mu Chunfeng returning, laughing and holding flowers. He intercepted them, stating his need to speak with Mi Ya alone.
Mu Chunfeng questioned why they couldn't talk during the day, prompting Yi Nanke to aggressively ask if he was speaking to him. Mi Ya told Mu Chunfeng to go ahead while she stayed to talk. Sitting on a stone bench, Mi Ya directly accused Yi Nanke of jealousy. He readily admitted it. When she challenged him to provide a reason for his jealousy, he blurted out that he liked her.
Mi Ya then asked if he had truly thought things through. When he admitted he hadn't, she pointed out that he was merely making a statement without any intention of taking their relationship further. Yi Nanke could only apologize. Mi Ya, angered, asked if he considered her a plaything before rising and walking away. Meanwhile, Bai Jing approached Lu Weixun, asking him to join her for a leisurely walk. He declined, explaining that he needed to care for He Buzui.
Bai Jing grew agitated, reminding him that she was his fiancée and questioning his constant treatment of her. Lu Weixun firmly reiterated that he had never acknowledged any engagement between them, and she consistently chose to ignore his words. He then formally stated, once more, that he was not her fiancé or boyfriend, and that their relationship was solely based on their families' long-standing friendship and their time as classmates at WSA.
When Bai Jing asked why he was speaking to her this way, Lu Weixun explained he had someone he liked and didn't want her to misunderstand. Bai Jing then pressed him, asking if he was sure that person also liked him. Lu Weixun admitted he wasn't certain of her feelings but emphasized that the process of liking someone was beautiful, regardless of the outcome. Bai Jing, undeterred, declared that having chosen him, she would not easily give up.
Lu Weixun responded by telling her to take some time to think things over and to come find him when she had a clearer mind. Later, Bai Jing found He Buzui and demanded that she leave Lu Weixun. He Buzui, unfazed, immediately asked for money. Bai Jing, confirming her suspicions about He Buzui's character, asked how much she wanted. He Buzui told her to give whatever she deemed appropriate.
As Bai Jing began writing a check, Lu Weixun walked in and questioned their activity. Bai Jing eagerly explained, wanting Lu Weixun to see He Buzui's true nature and whether money or he was more important to her. Lu Weixun then asked He Buzui if she would take the money. He Buzui affirmed she would. Bai Jing, triumphant, told He Buzui to take the money and leave.
He Buzui accepted the check but cleverly pointed out that while she had a contract with Lu Weixun, she had none with Miss Bai, and then told Bai Jing to leave. Lu Weixun couldn't help but smile at He Buzui's wit. Bai Jing, furious, accused He Buzui of being shameless, stating the money was meant for her to "get out."
He Buzui countered that in a commercial society, one should adhere to the spirit of contract and warned Bai Jing that her naivety made her easily exploitable. Feeling completely outmaneuvered, Bai Jing, realizing she had been tricked, angrily turned and stormed off. After Bai Jing left, Lu Weixun asked He Buzui if she genuinely intended to keep the money. He Buzui admitted she just wanted to annoy Bai Jing and playfully offered him the check as a tip.
Lu Weixun, smiling, playfully flicked her forehead. He Buzui, rubbing her forehead, asked what that was for, and he simply replied that he found her cute. She then confirmed her ankle no longer hurt and playfully demonstrated she could jump again. Later, Lu Weixun massaged He Buzui's sprained ankle, prompting her to complain about her body feeling sore due to the unfamiliar climate. He jokingly attributed it to her getting old.
He Buzui then asked him to massage her leg as well. After the massage, He Buzui thanked him, clarifying that her gratitude wasn't just for the massage, but for his trust in her during this time. When he asked how she knew he trusted her, she explained that even if their current endeavors yielded no results, she would at most be disappointed, but not helping would leave her with regret.
She then offered to give him a massage in return, and he asked her to be gentle. The group, including Lu Weixun, He Buzui, Yi Nanke, and Hao Yong, visited Wan Zeze's wine set design studio. Wan Zeze showed them his samples, explaining his struggle to capture the essence of his "Jade Dew About to Fall" theme, which focused on the moment before a drop falls.
He recounted his childhood heart problems and how his father's boss helped fund his overseas surgery. While observing the samples, He Buzui accidentally touched one, causing it to dent. Everyone apologized profusely and offered to pay for the damage. To their surprise, Wan Zeze was ecstatic, exclaiming that the accidental dent perfectly embodied the "dropping" state he envisioned for "Jade Dew About to Fall." Overjoyed, he thanked them profusely and invited everyone to a celebratory dinner.
That evening, Wan Zeze hosted a dinner, offering wines from his personal collection. During a heartfelt toast, he spoke philosophically about wine, asserting that its types didn't dictate its value, only which one suited a person best. He extended this metaphor to their gathering, stating that regardless of their origins, destinations, or past conflicts, their shared presence at his table signified destiny. He proposed a toast to making friends through wine.
Mi Ya expressed surprise at his extensive collection of red wine and whiskey, given his seemingly traditional tastes. He Buzui offered a toast for their meeting, wishing that after this drink, they would have no more disagreements. As the evening progressed, Bai Jing visibly drank too much, prompting Lu Weixun to caution her about her consumption.
Episode 18 Recap
After Mu Chunfeng, Mi Ya, and the Chief Editor concluded their team-building trip and departed, Lu Weixun, He Buzui, Yi Nanke, and Bai Jing prepared to go with Wan Zeze to a winery. When Wan Zeze noted that his car was not large enough for everyone, Lu Weixun suggested Bai Jing stay behind. She insisted on going, questioning how he would explain it to her parents if she got lost.
Yi Nanke then sarcastically suggested that Bai Jing stay behind, offering to act as her assistant, which she rejected. Eventually, Lu Weixun instructed Hao Yong to remain and watch their luggage, prompting a sarcastic remark from Hao Yong about being the assistant's assistant and bodyguard. Upon arriving at the winery, Mr. Yang warmly welcomed them.
Wan Zeze introduced his friends: Lu Weixun, a renowned sommelier; He Buzui, Lu Weixun's assistant; Yi Nanke, a popular bar owner; and Bai Jing, visiting from France. Mr. Yang acknowledged that Wan Zeze had informed him of their visit, but stated that unfortunately, they had stopped producing Pear Blossom over a month ago. Wan Zeze recalled that just last month, Mr. Yang had promised to save some Pear Blossom for his father.
Despite the disappointment, Wan Zeze suggested they tour the winery and sample other wines, to which Mr. Yang readily agreed. As they walked through the winery, Mr. Yang explained their ancestral, pure-grain brewing methods. He proudly stated that their wine, though from a small winery with no advanced equipment, had gained international renown, citing the saying, "Good wine needs no bush." He showcased various specialty wines, but Yi Nanke found the spirits to have a rough and unrefined taste.
He inquired about a passage they had passed, which Mr. Yang explained was a storage house for old equipment. When Yi Nanke took out a cigarette, Mr. Yang quickly interjected, strictly prohibiting smoking due to the fire hazard. Announcing he would go smoke elsewhere, Yi Nanke walked away. A look of unease crossed Mr. Yang's face as he quickly offered to show the others the brewing workshop.
Shortly after, He Buzui excused herself to use the restroom but instead went to find Yi Nanke. She asked if he also sensed something was amiss. Yi Nanke confirmed he did, noting a familiar scent in the air that led them to a locked, windowless door. Equipped with a tool, Yi Nanke pried open the door, remarking that any skill can be used for good or ill. Inside, He Buzui immediately recognized the scent of Pear Blossom.
Yi Nanke observed the damp ground, concluding the wine had been destroyed recently. Convinced Mr. Yang was involved in a past incident and possibly responsible for his father's disappearance, he wanted to confront him immediately. He Buzui urged caution, warning that Mr. Yang would be prepared. She pointed out that broken bottles were not enough evidence for the police to act and suggested Yi Nanke take photos while she collected wine samples.
As they worked, someone suddenly locked the door from the outside. Yi Nanke furiously tried to open it, realizing it must have been Mr. Yang. Meanwhile, Mr. Yang had excused himself from Wan Zeze and Bai Jing, claiming he had matters to attend to. Lu Weixun, searching for He Buzui, repeatedly called her name. Hearing him, He Buzui shouted that they were trapped inside and had discovered Pear Blossom.
Lu Weixun saw the locked door, confirming his suspicions about Mr. Yang. He assured He Buzui he would free them and began trying to smash the lock with an iron rod. Inside, Yi Nanke told him to stop and hide, arguing that if Lu Weixun also got caught, they would all be in danger. Lu Weixun, however, decided to confront Mr. Yang, reassuring He Buzui not to be afraid and to wait for him.
Lu Weixun rushed to Wan Zeze and Bai Jing, who questioned his delay and Mr. Yang’s whereabouts. Lu Weixun urgently informed them that Mr. Yang was dangerous and might be involved in a murder. Bai Jing expressed disbelief, but Lu Weixun insisted they had found evidence related to Pear Blossom. He told Wan Zeze to call the police, take Bai Jing, and leave immediately.
Wan Zeze initially hesitated, but Lu Weixun’s insistence convinced him to take Bai Jing and exit the winery. Lu Weixun then found Mr. Yang on the phone with a "Mr. Wan," discussing the group Wan Zeze had brought. Mr. Yang confirmed he had locked up those looking for Pear Blossom, assuring Mr. Wan that Wan Zeze was unaware and safe.
Mr. Wan instructed Mr. Yang to "get rid of them," but Mr. Yang hesitated, deeming such a drastic action unnecessary for "just kids" when he only wanted profit. As Lu Weixun discreetly called the police, a security guard ambushed him, seizing his phone and subduing him. Lu Weixun demanded to know Mr. Yang’s connection to Pear Blossom, but Mr. Yang feigned ignorance and threatened to sue him for slander.
Just then, Mr. Yang received another call from Mr. Wan, who threatened severe consequences, making Mr. Yang listen to his wife's frightened voice over the phone. Mr. Yang desperately pleaded with Mr. Wan not to be so ruthless. Inside the locked room, He Buzui felt dizzy. Yi Nanke explained the high alcohol concentration in the air could lead to suffocation, and the alcohol-soaked floor meant a single spark could be fatal.
He Buzui cried out that she didn't want to die. Yi Nanke bitterly told her that while he could forgive their parents' grudge, she was still accountable for his brother's death. He recounted his family's misfortunes: his father, Yi Jianguo, disappeared; his mother fell ill; and He Buzui's father had tried to buy their silence.
He spoke of his brother, Beidao, who, despite knowing He Buzui was their "enemy," protected her in high school and later worked himself to death to buy her a birthday gift. Yi Nanke revealed he had secretly changed Beidao's QQ password and, after his release from jail, read all the messages He Buzui had sent his late brother.
He Buzui countered that Yi Nanke was misjudging his own brother, asserting that Beidao never wanted him to waste his life on revenge and only wished for his happiness and safety. She claimed Yi Nanke was the one who had truly let his brother down. Mr. Yang appeared outside the locked door, mocking them for seeking their own demise. He offered them a chance to live if they swore to never speak of Pear Blossom again.
Yi Nanke pressed him, asking about his father, Yi Jianguo, and if he had also been imprisoned there. Upon learning Yi Nanke was Yi Jianguo's son, Mr. Yang declared they knew too much. Chillingly, he told them to prepare to perish with the Pear Blossom. Unbeknownst to them, Wan Zeze and Bai Jing, worried about the others, had turned back towards the winery.
Meanwhile, Lu Weixun regained consciousness, found himself bound, and managed to cut his restraints with a glass shard. He grabbed an iron rod and rushed to the warehouse where He Buzui and Yi Nanke were trapped, calling out that he had alerted the police and they were on their way. He Buzui tearfully warned him that Mr. Yang intended for them to die in an explosion and urged him to leave.
Lu Weixun refused, vowing to stay with her as he pried at the lock. He Buzui cried that she hadn't yet helped him regain his sense of taste and feared it would be lost forever if she died. Lu Weixun vehemently declared he didn't care about his taste; he only wanted her to be safe. Just then, Wan Zeze arrived with the police. They forced open the door, rescuing He Buzui and Yi Nanke.
The police informed Lu Weixun that Mr. Yang had not set the winery on fire, as they found a match that had been blown out in the warehouse. However, Mr. Yang himself was missing. He Buzui commented that Mr. Yang still had some conscience left, to which Lu Weixun playfully retorted that it was due to his own good luck. As they prepared to leave, He Buzui noticed Lu Weixun's injuries and urged him to go to the hospital.
Episode 19 Recap
At Yi Nanke's bar, Lu Weixun, He Buzui, Mi Ya, and Hao Yong gathered, clinking glasses to celebrate their narrow escape from the winery. Hao Yong boasted about his usefulness as a "human shield" and playfully challenged He Buzui, who confirmed he was a burden. Seeing Bai Jing sitting alone, Hao Yong asked if she regretted leaving him behind to join the dangerous rescue. Bai Jing, without answering, called Lu Weixun over.
After a glance at a pretending-to-be-indifferent He Buzui, Weixun approached Bai Jing. Bai Jing informed him that she was returning to France the next day, her ticket already booked. She stated her intention to stop wasting time on him, asserting that he did not love her. As Weixun began to speak, Bai Jing cut him off, declaring she wanted to hear nothing more and was only there to tell him she had many other admirers.
With a curt farewell, she left. After her departure, Weixun confirmed to Hao Yong that she was going back to France. Hao Yong then teased He Buzui, saying she had "won this round." When Mi Ya pointed out that Bai Jing hadn't paid her bill, He Buzui quipped that Bai Jing's "fiancé" was right there, implying Weixun should cover it.
This decision from Bai Jing came after a private dinner with Yi Nanke, where she had resolved to abandon her attachment to Weixun. Yi Nanke, admiring her resolve, had offered to write her a recommendation letter for the WSA, which she declined. Mi Ya asked Yi Nanke if the recent events meant he had reconciled with He Buzui and the others. Yi Nanke joked that they would have to pay their bill first, then walked over to the bar.
Mi Ya followed, offering to help calculate the bill. At the bar, Yi Nanke apologized for hurting her feelings previously, and Mi Ya replied that his future actions were all that mattered. Yi Nanke then warned that the road ahead might be rough. When Mi Ya offered to accompany him, he coolly clarified that he was merely making a statement, not an invitation.
Feeling dismissed, Mi Ya told him to walk his path alone, but Yi Nanke pulled her back, pinning her against the wall. Mi Ya wrapped her arms around his neck, declaring she wasn't afraid of him. Witnessing their public display of affection, Hao Yong jokingly chastised them for being so sweet while others were still single. He Buzui smiled warmly at the couple, and when Lu Weixun asked if she was envious, she denied it, expressing genuine happiness for them.
Weixun teased her about her former senior, but He Buzui clarified that she was happy for him now that he had found someone he loved. Weixun then encouraged her to extend the same blessing to him, as he too had found someone he loved. He Buzui met his gaze and smiled sweetly, then presented him with a dark plum bottle containing Pear Blossom wine, which she had secretly retrieved during their ordeal at the winery.
Weixun gratefully accepted it, then pulled her into an embrace, thanking her for entering his life before tenderly kissing her forehead. The next day, Weixun took He Buzui to Rose Winery, where Mr. Ma informed him the shareholders were growing impatient about pricing the new wine. Weixun confidently stated he was now ready. After Mr. Ma left, Weixun sampled the new wine.
He noted a slight reduction but explained that what he would have once considered a flaw now gave the young wine unexpected depth and richness after aeration. He decided to price it at 198 Yuan. He Buzui was surprised, recalling that Rose Winery wines typically retailed for over 700 Yuan. Weixun countered that in the future, their entry-level wines would not exceed 300 Yuan, as broader accessibility would build the brand.
When she asked for the wine's name, Weixun smiled, calling it "Irresistible." He pulled her close, hoping those who tasted it would feel the same way. He then reassured her that they were close to finding more of the Pear Blossom wine. Later, as Weixun and He Buzui strolled by a lake, they encountered Yi Nanke and Mi Ya.
Yi Nanke deliberately remarked that he used to frequent that spot with He Buzui, creating an awkward moment before Weixun politely excused them. Mi Ya immediately confronted Yi Nanke for his provocation, but he claimed a little jealousy could enhance a relationship. He then pulled her into a kiss. Meanwhile, Weixun admitted to He Buzui that he knew Yi Nanke was trying to make him jealous. He then asked if Yi Nanke still resented her.
She admitted he likely did, recalling his vow never to forgive her, but said she understood. If hating her brought him peace, it was acceptable to her. Weixun, moved by her forgiving nature, affectionately praised her wisdom. Back at the magazine office, a meeting was held to select the annual Top 10 Wines. The preliminary list included "Irresistible." Mu Chunfeng, present at the meeting, subtly questioned if favoritism played a role in its inclusion.
His colleagues defended the choice, explaining the list was compiled through blind tasting and "Irresistible" had earned its place on merit, with its market success among young consumers being a key factor. Mu Chunfeng silently wondered if Lu Weixun’s palate had truly recovered. Meanwhile, Lu Weixun met with Hao Yong and Xia Fan for advice on confessing to He Buzui.
After Xia Fan's initial shock, Hao Yong advised that a direct, straightforward declaration was best, as anything too elaborate might confuse her. Concurrently, Yi Nanke learned from the police that the winery owner, Yang Feng, had committed suicide at home. Elsewhere, Xia Fan noticed Weixun's new neighbor acting suspiciously and spotted a telescope on his windowsill.
Moments later, from his apartment, Mu Chunfeng spied on Weixun and He Buzui, hearing them link the "100 hours" of restored taste to the Pear Blossom wine. Xia Fan then burst in, dragging Mu Chunfeng to Weixun’s apartment and accusing him of spying. Mu Chunfeng admitted he knew about Weixun's taste loss and advised him to return to the Lu Group, revealing he was working with Weixun’s father. Weixun angrily ordered him to leave.
Mu Chunfeng later contacted Lu Linong, revealing that his son had lost his sense of taste. That evening, He Buzui arrived at an elegantly prepared venue. Bathed in romantic candlelight, she saw Lu Weixun waiting for her, holding a bouquet of red roses. She noted the private setting and asked if he had something important to tell her, to which Weixun confirmed that he did.
Episode 20 Recap
Lu Weixun presented He Buzui with red roses, indicating he had something very important to share with her. He Buzui, noting the formality, playfully suggested she should try to guess, but Lu Weixun teased that she wasn't smart enough to figure it out. After pulling out a chair for her, he knelt and solemnly declared his desire to be with her. When He Buzui asked if he was proposing, he confirmed it.
She felt that the moment lacked a proper build-up and a more romantic approach, to which Lu Weixun responded that she usually preferred directness. Despite that, she insisted a confession should have a process and some romantic words. Looking at her, Lu Weixun simply stated, "I like you." When she feigned not hearing him, he stood and reiterated, "I like you."
He elaborated that he liked her smile, her noisy presence, and even her temper, and these were the reasons he wanted to be with her. With a snap of his fingers, a small cart glided toward them. Lu Weixun took a covered vessel from it and placed it before He Buzui. Lifting the lid, he revealed a beautiful necklace containing perfume with the aroma of wine, resting on the vibrant red roses.
He explained that due to its strong scent, the fragrance of wine would still emanate even while stored inside the necklace, presenting it as her exclusive scent. He Buzui joyfully inhaled, identifying notes of raspberry and blueberry—a rich black fruit aroma she found enchanting. Lu Weixun gently embraced her from behind, reminding her that with her absolute sense of taste, she would undoubtedly perceive this unique aroma, and he asked her to promise to keep it safe for him.
As beautiful fireworks erupted outside the window, Lu Weixun led her out to watch them. He asked if she liked it all, and she responded that she loved the unique necklace, the fireworks displayed just for her, and him. Lu Weixun smiled happily, and they embraced and kissed amidst the dazzling display. He Buzui added that she would protect both the necklace and him, acknowledging his tough exterior but fragile interior.
Lu Weixun confessed that no one had ever spoken to him that way and thanked her, expressing his happiness that she was willing to be his girlfriend. As they left the restaurant, He Buzui noticed someone following them, and Lu Weixun confirmed that a person was indeed watching them from a distance. He Buzui suggested confronting them, but Lu Weixun advised going home first for safety.
Back home, Lu Weixun asked her to consider if she had recently offended anyone, but she was unsure. He suggested they report it to the police the next day, and she agreed. Meanwhile, Yi Nanke dropped Mi Ya off at her apartment. As she entered, he turned to leave and noticed someone watching him from a distance. This followed an earlier intense conversation where Mi Ya confronted Yi Nanke, aware of his past imprisonment for intentional assault.
She told him that the Yi Nanke she knew was someone who cared for others, advised girls against excessive drinking, and would even help difficult individuals. When he questioned if she was afraid of him, she admitted she was afraid that he, the person she loved, didn't value himself. He expressed his desire to provide her with a stable life but doubted his own adequacy, feeling he was pushing her away, which she denied.
Mr. Wan received a report confirming that Yi Nanke was the son of Yi Jianguo, the former assistant at the He Wine Distillery, and that Yi Nanke and his father had indeed gone to Mr. Yang's winery searching for "Pear Blossom" wine. Mr. Wan expressed relief that Mr. Yang had cleared everything out beforehand and instructed his subordinate to keep this information from his son, Wan Zeze.
Later, Yi Nanke called He Buzui to a bar, asking if she had been followed recently. Surprised, she confirmed and learned that he had also been followed. As a realization dawned on her, He Buzui exclaimed, "Pear Blossom!" Yi Nanke then asked if she found Mr. Yang's death suspicious, and she agreed. He highlighted the even greater peculiarity that Mr. Yang's entire family had now disappeared, suggesting a conspiracy was at play and questioning who could possess such power.
He Buzui admitted there was such a person, describing the situation as very complicated. Yi Nanke, undeterred, stated that he was not afraid of exploring complicated matters. He Buzui then rushed to Brother De's place and found him tied up on the floor with an apple stuffed in his mouth. Yi Nanke, already there, casually stated he had "solved" the situation, leading He Buzui to question his unconventional methods.
She removed the apple and asked Brother De if he had hired anyone to follow her. He vehemently denied it, claiming he had no reason to cause trouble. When she asked if he knew Yang Feng, he feigned ignorance. She then inquired about Joy Winery, which he admitted to having heard of, but disparaged its wine quality. When she finally asked about Pear Blossom wine, he confused it with a type of rosewood.
He Buzui then informed Yi Nanke that Brother De was clearly not involved. After this, Brother De offered his assistance to find the "clueless punks" who had been following them. As she was leaving, He Buzui asked Brother De not to mention any of this to Lu Weixun, to which he, clearly frustrated, warned her that the current situation was far more serious than their last encounter.
Meanwhile, Lu Linong called his son, Lu Weixun, urging him to return home and stop being childish. Lu Weixun refused. Lu Linong declared that his son no longer had the right to be willful, as his innate sense of taste had vanished. Lu Weixun acknowledged his loss of taste but asserted that he could still forge his own path.
Lu Linong dismissed this as naive, arguing that if news of Lu Weixun's lost taste were to spread, shareholders would inevitably withdraw their investments, and he would not tolerate such public embarrassment. Angered, Lu Weixun accused his father of caring only about his business and reputation. He then proposed a two-person competition: if he won, Lu Linong would never again interfere with the winery's affairs.
Lu Linong accepted, adding that if Lu Weixun lost, he would return obediently to inherit the family business. Lu Weixun vowed to prove the absurdity of his father's arrogance and prejudice. Following this, Lu Linong sought out Mu Chunfeng, a highly regarded new talent, who had just provided an insightful explanation of orange wine. Lu Linong instructed Mu Chunfeng to clear his schedule for the following Monday to help him humble Lu Weixun.
Mu Chunfeng expressed his honor in working alongside his "master," and Lu Linong cited Mu Chunfeng's aspiration to win back Buck Winery fair and square as a reason for his selection. Concurrently, He Buzui had arranged for Hao Yong to care for her aging father. Later, Lu Weixun went to He Buzui’s home to pick her up, explaining that he had an upcoming competition and wished for her to accompany him. She readily agreed.
When he asked if she wouldn't inquire about the reason, she simply smiled and said no. He confidently stated he would win, and she replied, "Of course." Seeing her trust in him, Lu Weixun took her hand, and they walked forward together. Wan Zeze arrived at his father, Mr. Wan's, office and waited. His father's phone rang on the desk, and Wan Zeze answered it.
The furious caller, revealed to be Mr. Yang's wife, accused Mr. Wan of being a murderer who forced her husband to his death. Wan Zeze was shocked. Later, during dinner, Wan Zeze pressed his father about how Mr. Yang died, but Mr. Wan evaded the question, suggesting they not discuss such "unlucky" topics at the dinner table. Wan Zeze persisted, emphasizing that it was a human life and recounting the phone call from Mr. Yang's wife.
Mr. Wan responded by telling his son that he was a "clean child" and some matters were best left unknown to him. Wan Zeze then directly questioned if everything he heard was true and if Mr. Yang had taken the blame for his father. Mr. Wan, feigning concern for Wan Zeze's health, instructed his subordinate to take his son to the hospital for a period of recuperation, dismissing his protests.
Shortly after, Mr. Wan arrived at He Wangyou’s house, finding Hao Yong there. He saw He Wangyou cleaning wine jars and asked if he was making Pear Blossom wine again. He Wangyou affirmed, saying he was making some to be a dowry for his daughter's wedding. Mr. Wan inquired if He Buzui had a boyfriend, and He Wangyou responded with a laugh that his daughter was grown up.
Mr. Wan remarked that it was a pity He Wangyou’s winery had closed, as the Pear Blossom could have been part of the dowry. He Wangyou assured him it was fine, mentioning that with Yi Jianguo’s help, it wouldn't take long to produce more. Pressing for information, Mr. Wan asked where Yi Jianguo was. He Wangyou, speaking somewhat incoherently, said Yi Jianguo had taken his son to the movies. Noticing He Wangyou's unusual demeanor, Mr. Wan quickly excused himself.
In his car, Mr. Wan spoke with his subordinate on the phone. When his subordinate asked when they should proceed with their plans, Wan replied that it was not yet time. He then inquired about Mr. Yang’s wife and child and was assured that they had been "taken care of" and would no longer cause trouble. Later, in a troubling dream, Lu Weixun encountered a mysterious figure who claimed to be a forgotten and abandoned version of himself.
The figure criticized Lu Weixun, saying he wasn't as handsome or cute as imagined. Lu Weixun then found himself alone, searching for his parents, but the dream figure told him they were gone. Lu Weixun cried out, denying it, convinced his mother would always be with him and his busy father would still find time, asserting they would always be together.
Episode 21 Recap
During breakfast, Lu Weixun asked He Buzui if she knew the wealthiest person in the world. After her guesses of Bill Gates, Buffett, and Jack Ma were all incorrect, Lu Weixun revealed the answer was Ultraman. Seeing her confusion, he explained that the name is on all ATMs. The pun made He Buzui smile, prompting Lu Weixun to remark that she looked better when she smiled, as her worried expression made her less attractive.
He Buzui retorted, asking who else she would be worried for, and Lu Weixun quickly reassured her that he knew her concern was for him. He held her hand and promised they would win. The competition commenced with a total of three rounds. In the first round, Lu Weixun and He Buzui were pitted against Lu Linong and Mu Chunfeng.
The rules stipulated that one member from each team would select three wines for their opponent to taste, who then had fifteen minutes to identify the wines and their wineries. He Buzui demonstrated her exceptional palate, describing the complex notes of blackberry, cherry, raspberry, licorice, coffee, and even subtle hints of dirt in one wine. She meticulously identified another as featuring blueberry, blackcurrant, blackberry, rose, anise, and baked spices, praising its creamy texture and layered flavor.
For the third wine, she noted strong blackberry and licorice, describing it as a condensed and balanced Shiraz. Her accuracy was perfect, as she correctly identified all three wines: Opus One from Napa Valley, d'Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz from McLaren Vale, and Chateau Pavie from Saint-Emilion, France. In contrast, Lu Linong faltered, incorrectly identifying an entry-level Australian Shiraz, leading to Lu Weixun and He Buzui's victory.
Lu Linong acknowledged that Lu Weixun had exploited his "blind spot," admitting he had been out of touch with modern consumer tastes. Following the competition, the four were gathered at a cafe. A Mr. Wan entered, and after a brief greeting with He Buzui, he joined Lu Linong’s table. Lu Linong inquired about his son, Zeze's, health. Mr. Wan expressed gratitude, explaining that Lu Linong’s past assistance had enabled him to afford Zeze’s surgery.
Observing the interaction, He Buzui remarked to Lu Weixun about the curious coincidence of Mr. Wan's closeness to her father. Lu Linong then asked Mr. Wan if he knew He Buzui, and Mr. Wan confirmed she was the daughter of He Wangyou from the He Wine Distillery. As He Buzui and Lu Weixun excused themselves, Mr. Wan was seen advising Zeze, who was also present, to consider hospitalization, though Zeze insisted he wasn't ill.
The second round involved tasting 101 glasses of red wine, with the first team to correctly identify 51 declared the winner. Lu Linong and Mu Chunfeng quickly submitted their answers. He Buzui, despite her meticulous tasting, was slower. Confident they had already won, Mu Chunfeng urged Lu Linong to submit their list. Ultimately, Lu Linong and Mu Chunfeng were announced as the victors of the second round. After their loss, He Buzui apologized for not being faster.
Lu Weixun comforted her, assuring her she had done very well. She playfully noted his gentle side was unfamiliar, as he would typically be sulky after a loss. After seeing her into her hotel room, Lu Weixun was approached by Lu Linong, who urged him to abandon the third round, insisting he had no chance of winning.
Lu Weixun confidently asserted that his refined palate, a result of Lu Linong’s own training, was his strength, and he had faith in himself. Meanwhile, in her room, He Buzui drifted off to sleep and relived a terrifying childhood memory from the old winery. Jolting awake, she lit a lamp, convinced the experience was not a dream but a fragment of her lost memory.
Driven by this, He Buzui called Yi Nanke, revealing her suspicion that someone might be buried beneath the old winery. She explained that ever since her palate recovered after drinking 'Pear Blossom' wine, she had been plagued by strange dreams linked to the night she fell into a wine vat—the same night Yi Nanke’s father disappeared. She consistently dreamt of a person in black whose face remained obscured.
Yi Nanke insisted they report it to the police, but He Buzui hesitated, unsure if it was a dream or a repressed memory and lacking concrete evidence. Yi Nanke was resolute, suggesting they go investigate for themselves. He dismissed her suggestion to go later and pressed to go immediately, proposing that her "friends from the street" might be able to help. He Buzui was taken aback, questioning when she ever had such friends.
As He Buzui prepared to leave, Mr. Wan spotted her outside the hotel and questioned why she was out so late. She explained she was meeting a friend named Yi Nanke and declined his offer of a ride. She then took a cab to Brother De's location, where Yi Nanke was waiting. Yi Nanke explained they needed Brother De’s help, and his men were ready to assist for a price.
Yi Nanke urged He Buzui to proceed, reminding her of a past incident involving a "Boss Yang" to emphasize the urgency. Upon arriving at the old winery, they found it guarded. Brother De created a distraction by pretending to search for his lost dog, "Beibei," and arguing loudly with the guards, who identified the location as "Wanjia Warehouse," a Lu Group property. Amidst the chaos, He Buzui and Yi Nanke slipped inside.
Though the interior had changed, He Buzui, relying on her fragmented memories, pointed to a specific warehouse. They entered and, in an open area behind it, Yi Nanke began to dig, with He Buzui soon joining him. Simultaneously, Brother De's men, Briar and Bramble, brawled with the security guards.
During the commotion, Mr. Wan received a call from his subordinate, informing him that people were digging in the warehouse and that Yi Nanke and He Buzui had been spotted but were now missing. Mr. Wan instructed him not to alert the police and immediately headed to the scene. As the fight continued, Yi Nanke paused his digging, retrieving a ring from the loosened earth. He told He Buzui it was his parents' wedding ring.
Realizing her memories were real, He Buzui dug with newfound determination. Yi Nanke then shouted for Brother De to stop fighting and promptly called the police. Soon after, the police arrived, quickly followed by Mr. Wan, who demanded to know who called them. Yi Nanke explained to the officers that his father, missing for two decades, might be buried there. Mr. Wan, surprised to see He Buzui, was identified by her as a former colleague of her father.
He dismissively told Yi Nanke not to make baseless accusations, but Yi Nanke held up the ring as proof. A police officer took the ring for evidence and informed everyone they would need to go to the station to provide statements, causing one of Mr. Wan's subordinates to mutter that they were "doomed."
Episode 22 Recap
He Buzui was at the police station giving a statement. She anxiously glanced at the clock, wanting to call Lu Weixun, but the police asked her to wait. Meanwhile, a worried Lu Weixun was knocking on He Buzui's unanswered door, drawing the attention of Lu Linong and Mu Chunfeng. As they considered getting a key card, Lu Weixun's phone rang.
It was He Buzui, who explained that she and Yi Nanke might have found his father's body and were at the police station. She asked if the competition could be delayed, but Lu Weixun, concerned for her safety, told her not to worry about him and that he would proceed. After the call, Lu Weixun confirmed to his father that he would still compete. At the competition venue, the referee questioned the fairness of a one-on-two match.
In response, Lu Linong announced he would withdraw from the final round and observe from the sidelines. The referee then declared the rules for the final match: a blind tasting of a single glass of wine. The contestant who could write down the most detailed information would win. As the match began, Mu Chunfeng quickly tasted the wine and began writing, while Lu Weixun struggled, unable to identify the flavor.
Feeling frustrated, Lu Weixun closed his eyes and was transported back to his childhood. He saw his father explaining that some tastes should never be forgotten, even without a sense of taste. His father taught him that winemaking is a blend of human effort and destiny, describing yeast as a vital organism that can cause natural fermentation.
He stressed that a winery that practices long-term natural fermentation develops its own unique yeast population in the air, imparting a distinct character to its wine. He encouraged young Weixun to keep tasting, promising that one day he would be able to distinguish between thousands of wines and find his own style. They made a pinkie promise to always remember that the yeast they cultivated was unique to their family. This memory gave Lu Weixun his answer.
Meanwhile, He Buzui and Yi Nanke left the police station and ran into Mr. Wan, who offered them a ride. Yi Nanke politely declined and drove He Buzui himself. In the car, she explained that Mr. Wan was her father's old partner who helped sell the winery for her medical bills, a series of events Yi Nanke found too coincidental. Back at the competition, Lu Weixun finally wrote down his answer.
The referee announced that while Lu Weixun had identified a unique taste that Mu Chunfeng missed, Mu Chunfeng had provided far more comprehensive details about the wine. With Lu Weixun offering only a single piece of information, Mu Chunfeng was declared the winner of the round. Consequently, Lu Linong and Mu Chunfeng won the overall competition.
Mu Chunfeng graciously acknowledged Lu Weixun as a formidable opponent, impressed that he could discern a flavor that he himself could not, even without his sense of taste. Lu Weixun accepted his defeat, confident that Mu Chunfeng would manage Buck Winery well. He Buzui rushed to the venue, finding only Lu Weixun. He confirmed he had lost but felt it wasn't a total loss.
He Buzui said her day was similar, as she had handed over all evidence to the police. Seeing her dejection, Lu Weixun comforted her, saying that wins and losses are a part of life and her safe return was all that mattered. He told her he would be meeting his father that night and gently pulled her into a comforting embrace.
Later, after Mi Ya learned from He Buzui that Yi Nanke had found his father's wedding ring, she found him at a bar. As they talked, Yi Nanke received a call from Officer Liu, who summoned him to the station immediately. He and Mi Ya left together. That evening, Lu Weixun had a rare dinner with his father.
Lu Weixun was prepared to accept the consequences of his loss, but Lu Linong surprised him by telling him to pursue what he truly wanted. The moment brought back painful memories of Lu Weixun's mother's death, her waiting for his father, and his father's late arrival at her funeral. Looking across the table, Lu Weixun asked his father if he had truly loved his mother. Lu Linong affirmed she was the love of his life.
Weixun then questioned why he had let her winery's vines wither and sold it. Lu Linong confessed that he, too, had things he couldn't face. He explained that after she died, managing the winery, which she had insisted remain non-commercial, was too difficult and costly. He felt it was better to transfer it to someone who could care for it properly.
He told Lu Weixun that he was now free, but freedom comes with a price he must be willing to bear. Lu Weixun agreed. His father then asked if he was dating the daughter from He's Wine Distillery, remarking that Weixun's mother had also loved their Pear Blossom wine. For the first time in a long while, Lu Weixun felt at peace with his father.
Though the wine was still tasteless to him, he felt happy, realizing he had finally grown up. In his office, Mr. Wan was drinking heavily when his subordinate reported that police had unearthed a body at Warehouse No. 9, which Yi Nanke identified as his father, Yi Jianguo, who had been missing for twenty years. Mr. Wan feigned surprise and ordered a halt to all actions concerning Yi Nanke and He Buzui.
He then inquired about someone named "Zeze," instructing his subordinate to watch him closely. At their home, Lu Weixun and He Buzui were playing chess when an ardent fan arrived and tried to live-stream their visit. Lu Weixun stopped them, explaining his home was a private space. The fan had come to offer support after his loss, but Lu Weixun politely ushered them out by saying he needed to take his girlfriend shopping. Just then, Mu Chunfeng appeared.
He announced he was returning to the winery and acknowledged Lu Weixun as a worthy opponent. He asked about Lu Weixun's future, considering he had lost his sense of taste and would not be returning to the Lu Group. Lu Weixun calmly replied that he felt he had gained more than he had lost. Later, as He Buzui was outside, she was intercepted by a man who informed her that Lu Linong wished to see her.
Episode 23 Recap
As He Buzui and Xia Fan were heading out to buy groceries, a man stopped He Buzui, stating that Lu Linong wished to see her. Knowing Lu Linong was Lu Weixun's father, He Buzui told Xia Fan to go back first and left with the man. Upon returning home, Xia Fan was questioned by Lu Weixun about He Buzui's whereabouts.
Xia Fan nervously explained she had been "abducted," clarifying that it was Lu Weixun's father who had taken her, which immediately alarmed Lu Weixun. He Buzui arrived at Lu Linong's home and was offered tea. Lu Linong directly asked if she was dating Lu Weixun, to which she confirmed. He remarked that being with the heir to the Lu Group was not easy.
He Buzui countered that Lu Weixun was relatively easy to deal with, humorously adding that he was an insincere and childish person who was difficult at first but had improved. Lu Linong then mentioned his knowledge of her family's He Wine Distillery, praising her father's Pear Blossom wine. He Buzui asked if he knew what happened to the distillery years ago, but Lu Linong claimed ignorance. Just then, Lu Weixun arrived, demanding to know his father's intentions.
Lu Linong questioned if he couldn't even meet his future daughter-in-law. Lu Weixun retorted, "I'm not you. I'll take good care of her," before asserting he would take He Buzui away. As they departed, He Buzui mentioned that Lu Linong seemed to know about Pear Blossom but was reluctant to discuss it. Meanwhile, Yi Nanke received confirmation from the police that the remains found at the distillery belonged to his father, who had been missing for twenty years.
Emotionally distressed, he felt he could no longer live according to his brother's wishes and had crucial tasks to fulfill. Around this time, Mi Ya had a tense phone call with her mother, who disapproved of her relationship with a bar owner, mistakenly calling Yi Nanke "Yi Beidao." Afterward, Mi Ya confronted her sister, accusing her of revealing the relationship to their mother.
Later, Yi Nanke invited Mi Ya out and challenged her to a drinking game, with the loser granting the winner a request. Mi Ya accepted and lost. Yi Nanke thanked her for her companionship but declared he was done with "love games." When she pressed for a reason, he coldly stated he despised her. Mi Ya accused him of lying, but he reiterated his disdain and told her not to contact him again.
Distraught, Mi Ya left, walking alone in the cold rain. Lu Weixun later accompanied He Buzui shopping. A promoter offered them a free pair of cartoon ears from Zootopia: Officer Judy's bunny ears and Nick the Fox's fox ears. He Buzui had Lu Weixun put the bunny ears on her, and he affectionately called her "very cute." Identifying them as an "official couple," she then tried to make Lu Weixun wear the fox ears. He resisted, calling it "lame."
Annoyed, He Buzui walked off to a street food stall. As she argued with Lu Weixun about ordering hot pot, which he said would "damage her palate," she turned and saw him wearing the fox ears. Her anger vanished, and they happily went home, abandoning the street food. They made hot pot at home, with He Buzui reassuring him the mild spice wouldn't affect his taste.
The next day, He Buzui learned from her father's assistant that Mr. Wan had visited. She called Mr. Wan and asked if he was the one who bought her family's distillery years ago, allowing her father to afford her medical treatment. Mr. Wan denied it, explaining he only bought it later to use as a warehouse. When asked who the original buyer was, Mr. Wan revealed it was "Mr. Lu."
Later, Mu Chunfeng hosted a wine party, inviting Lu Weixun, He Buzui, and Yi Nanke. Mi Ya was also present, maintaining a cold distance from Yi Nanke. He Buzui questioned Yi Nanke about the tension, but he was dismissive. He shifted the conversation, revealing he had investigated Mr. Yang, the former owner of the fake wine factory, and discovered his entire family disappeared the day after his suicide.
Yi Nanke expressed his belief that his father's death was not a simple matter. As they talked, Mi Ya left. He Buzui again pressed Yi Nanke about their breakup. Yi Nanke explained he was pursuing the dangerous truth about his father's death and didn't want Mi Ya involved. He Buzui argued he should have been honest with her. Yi Nanke then revealed he had come to the party hoping to see Mr. Wan.
Mu Chunfeng approached Lu Weixun, mentioning a large quantity of white liquor he had found stored in the Buck Winery cellars. Yi Nanke insisted on seeing it. In the cellar, He Buzui opened a bottle and identified the scent as Pear Blossom. Yi Nanke demanded Lu Weixun explain why the wine was in his family's winery, but Lu Weixun claimed not to know. Yi Nanke then revealed Mr. Yang had committed suicide before the police arrived.
He argued that this, along with his family's disappearance, was too extreme for a simple counterfeiting case. He asserted Mr. Yang was a scapegoat for a "bigger secret." Citing financial records linking the Lu Group to the fake wine factory, Yi Nanke directly accused Lu Weixun's father of killing his father, stunning both Lu Weixun and He Buzui. Reeling, He Buzui asked Lu Weixun if he knew his father had bought her family's distillery. He nodded.
She demanded to know why he had lied. Lu Weixun explained he hadn't wanted to cause a misunderstanding before knowing the whole truth, admitting things were unfolding as he had feared. In response, He Buzui grabbed a bottle of Pear Blossom, took a long drink, and pulled Lu Weixun into a passionate kiss.
Episode 24 Recap
Following the confrontation in the Buck Winery cellar, He Buzui, after drinking from a bottle of Pear Blossom, pulled Lu Weixun into a kiss with tears streaming down her face. She then pushed him away, declaring she was returning his sense of taste and that their contract was over before turning to leave. Lu Weixun silently reflected that he had already consulted a doctor; his hysterical ageusia was long cured, healed by her very presence.
Later that night by the river, Yi Nanke expressed his admiration for He Buzui, admitting he had expected her to be blinded by love but was surprised by her clear-headedness. He Buzui clarified that returning Lu Weixun's palate didn't mean she no longer loved him; she was just upset by his deception, though she knew she shouldn't blame him for the grievances of their fathers' generation. Yi Nanke agreed, seeing her clarity as its own form of awakening.
When He Buzui lamented her inability to remember more, Yi Nanke suggested they try to trigger her memories again using darkness and the sensation of drowning, provided she could endure it. Lu Weixun confronted his father, Lu Linong, with a bottle of Pear Blossom from Buck Winery. Lu Linong confirmed a large quantity had been acquired years ago, explaining that Lu Weixun’s mother had deeply loved the wine.
To fulfill his ailing wife's wish to see the underrated wine succeed, he had sought to acquire He Wine Distillery. He specified that he had contacted Wan Ran directly after receiving his business card at a tasting event. When pressed about why the acquisition failed and the distillery closed, Lu Linong claimed ignorance. At that moment, Wan Zeze called Lu Weixun to pick him up from the hospital. Soon after, Wan Ran was informed that his son had disappeared.
Lu Weixun brought Zeze to his home, where Zeze anxiously asked if his father, Wan Ran, had harmed He Buzui or Yi Nanke. He revealed that his father had them followed, giving an excuse that Zeze didn't believe. Lu Weixun then explained the connection: Yi Nanke's father, rumored to have stolen the He family wine recipe, had been missing for years until his body was recently discovered in Lu Linong's warehouse.
The police autopsy indicated he had been dead for nearly twenty years. A disturbed Zeze asked if his father was responsible, but Lu Weixun admitted that while there was no conclusive evidence, Wan Ran was a prime suspect. He Buzui went to Yi Nanke’s bar, where he gave her some Pear Blossom he had acquired from Mu Chunfeng.
She decided to attempt the memory retrieval in the very cellar where he had previously trapped her, noting the psychological trauma would be unforgettable. Yi Nanke apologized for his past actions and promised to wait outside, urging her to call for help if she couldn't bear it. Inside the cellar, He Buzui poured a box of Pear Blossom into a large basin. After Yi Nanke closed the door, plunging the room into darkness, she was initially overcome with fear.
Gazing into the wine, she steadied herself and submerged her face. The immersion triggered a full recollection: as a child, she had witnessed a struggle between Yi Nanke's father, Jianguo, and another man. The man, whom she now recognized as Wan Ran, was trying to steal the wine recipe. When Jianguo refused and threatened to tell her father, Wan Ran attacked him, getting his arm scratched in the process.
Stumbling out of the cellar, He Buzui breathlessly told Yi Nanke that she remembered everything: the murderer was Wan Ran. She recalled seeing his injured arm as a child and connected it to a scar she had recently seen on him. Just then, Mi Ya’s brother rushed in, claiming Mi Ya had been kidnapped because of Yi Nanke. Urging He Buzui to be careful, Yi Nanke immediately left to rescue Mi Ya.
Meanwhile, Wan Ran was already at He Buzui's house. As He Buzui ran in, she found her father unconscious on the sofa. While she tried to wake him, Wan Ran emerged, mockingly asking what the danger was as his men entered. He revealed he knew she had remembered everything. When Lu Weixun called, Wan Ran ignored it and ordered his men to tie up He Buzui and take her away.
Unable to reach He Buzui, a frantic Lu Weixun sped towards her house. Simultaneously, Yi Nanke arrived at Mi Ya’s home to find her perfectly safe. Realizing he had been tricked by her brother, who wanted to get his attention, Yi Nanke understood He Buzui was in danger and rushed off. Lu Weixun found He Buzui's house empty, discovering her phone and the number "87" left on the floor.
He called Zeze, who deduced "87" must be part of a license plate, giving him the full number: Bin AE0587. As he drove, Lu Weixun arranged to meet Xia Fan and Hao Yong. He informed a worried Yi Nanke that Wan Ran had taken He Buzui but assured him she would be safe. At their meeting, Lu Weixun explained the kidnapping to a furious Hao Yong. Xia Fan immediately broadcasted the car's license plate on his live stream.
A viewer soon reported its location, but Xia Fan warned that the car was entering an old district with fewer followers to track it. He advised Lu Weixun to wait for the police, but Lu Weixun refused, declaring he couldn't wait a moment longer as he continued the high-speed pursuit.
Episode 25 (Ending) Recap
Following Lu Weixun's lead, Yi Nanke located Wan Ran's car and urged his driver to speed up, cautioning Lu Weixun not to act rashly. Inside a warehouse, He Buzui and her father were held captive by Wan Ran, who lamented that he had no choice but to silence them since she had regained her memories. He Buzui pleaded for her father's release, as he remembered nothing, and warned Wan Ran of karmic retribution.
Unfazed, Wan Ran insisted his son, Wan Zeze, would never learn the truth. He Buzui tried to reason with him, urging him to surrender, but Wan Ran was resolute, planning to flee the country with his son. He argued that with them gone, the truth would die, but she countered that his conscience would haunt him forever. As time ran out, Wan Ran soaked a cloth in wine to smother He Buzui.
During the struggle, he struck her, causing her necklace to fall and shatter. Nearby, Lu Weixun, who was searching for them, caught the distinct aroma of red wine from the broken necklace and followed the scent. Inside, Wan Ran covered He Buzui’s face with the wine-soaked cloth and began pouring more wine onto the floor. Just then, Lu Weixun burst in.
Wan Ran immediately produced a lighter, threatening to set the warehouse ablaze and kill them all if Lu Weixun came any closer. Lu Weixun pleaded with him to think of his son and not make another mistake. Wan Ran admitted he hadn't intended to harm Lu Weixun, but seeing Lu Weixun's determination, he was momentarily distracted. Seizing the opportunity, Lu Weixun charged forward and headbutted him. The lighter fell, and a fierce struggle ensued.
Wan Ran struck Lu Weixun with a sack and tried to ignite the spilled wine, but Lu Weixun knocked the lighter from his hand. The fight ended when Lu Weixun shoved Wan Ran forcefully, sending him crashing into a wine vat and knocking him unconscious. Lu Weixun quickly freed a dazed He Buzui. As he untied her, Wan Ran came to and fled the warehouse.
Wan Ran stumbled to his car, only to be intercepted by Yi Nanke, who slammed him against the vehicle and demanded to know if he had killed his father. Wan Ran callously admitted it, saying the man was in his way. Enraged, Yi Nanke began to choke him, but Wan Zeze arrived and begged him to stop, offering to atone for his father's crimes himself.
Moved by the plea and not wanting Wan Zeze to suffer the same pain of losing a father, Yi Nanke released his grip. He told Wan Ran that while he wouldn't kill him for Wan Zeze's sake, the law would ensure he paid for his actions. Shortly after, Mi Ya arrived with the police. She embraced Yi Nanke, thanking him for protecting himself, as the police arrested Wan Ran.
Lu Weixun awoke in his room to find Xia Fan by his side. He immediately asked for He Buzui, who entered at that moment with a bowl of noodles she had made for him. Lu Weixun praised her improved cooking, and while he downplayed his injury, Xia Fan lamented that his idol was hurt.
Lu Weixun explained that he would rather be the one injured, because if He Buzui was hurt, he would feel her pain as well as his own. Seeing their tender moment, Xia Fan and Hao Yong quietly left them alone. Later, Yi Nanke and Mi Ya walked by the river. After playfully insisting she take a piece of candy, he handed her a small box. Inside was a ring.
When she asked what it meant, he told her it meant whatever she thought it did. As she walked ahead, he called her name and knelt on one knee. He confessed that before meeting her, his life had no light and he considered himself a worthless person. She, he explained, had taught him to hope, to smile, and to love himself. Now feeling ready and worthy of her, he asked her to marry him.
A tearfully joyous Mi Ya accepted, and Yi Nanke placed the ring on her finger, lifting her into a celebratory embrace. The two couples and their fathers, Lu Linong and He Wangyou, gathered for a celebratory dinner. He Wangyou brought his freshly brewed Pear Blossom wine, which was enjoyed over the red wine Lu Linong had prepared. After the happily inebriated fathers were put to bed, Lu Weixun suggested to He Buzui that they should consider reopening her family's distillery.
He Buzui agreed, wanting to preserve her father's legacy, and Lu Weixun promised his full support. She teased him about his newfound sentimentality, and as they leaned in for a kiss, he paused, reminding her they had just drunk Pear Blossom wine and asking if she had anything to say. " Thanks to Pear Blossom," she whispered, "we met." They then shared a passionate kiss.
The following day, Lu Weixun, He Buzui, Yi Nanke, Mi Ya, Xia Fan, and Hao Yong celebrated the New Year with a picnic. He Buzui, savoring the taste of wine, joyfully announced that her sense of taste was gradually stabilizing. Her condition had been diagnosed as damaged taste buds from her childhood fall into the wine barrel, which was now healing thanks to her father's zinc-rich Pear Blossom wine and Lu Weixun's care.
Lu Weixun's own hysterical ageusia was also cured, and he credited their fateful meeting for starting them on a "miraculous journey in search of flavors" that allowed them to become their best selves. To the cheers of their friends, they announced their biggest news: they were getting married, ready to embrace a future full of happiness.
